The common name “Wandering Jew” is broadly used to describe several species of fast-growing, trailing plants within the Tradescantia genus. These plants, sometimes referred to as inch plants or by the alternative name “Wandering Dude,” are celebrated for their colorful and often vividly patterned foliage. While distinct in coloration, all forms share a similar foundational structure that allows for easy identification. Understanding the common physical traits, along with the specific color variations, is the first step in recognizing these popular houseplants.
Shared Physical Traits
All plants commonly known by this name exhibit a characteristic trailing growth habit. Their stems are typically soft, herbaceous, and possess a somewhat fleshy quality. This structure allows the vines to cascade gracefully from hanging baskets or spread quickly as a groundcover.
The stems are noticeably segmented, with distinct, slightly swollen points known as nodes located along their length. These nodes are where the leaves attach and where new roots readily form when they touch moist soil or water. This ease of rooting contributes to the plant’s rapid spread. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, clasping it at the node, and often have an ovate to lanceolate shape.
The Iconic Look: Purple and Silver Stripes
The most widely recognized and cultivated form is typically Tradescantia zebrina, known for its striking, high-contrast foliage. The upper surface of the ovate leaves features a brilliant, zebra-like pattern of metallic silver or whitish stripes against a background of deep green or purplish-green. This shimmering, almost iridescent appearance is caused by a layer of air between the cells that refracts light.
The underside of the leaf provides a dramatic contrast, displaying a uniform, rich magenta or deep purple color. New growth often shows a stronger purple hue, while older leaves may appear greener or bluish-green with the silver stripes. In intense light, the purple pigmentation (provided by anthocyanins) can become dominant, causing the silver variegation to fade and making the leaf appear dark purple. The plant produces small, three-petaled flowers that are typically lavender-purple or pink, though they appear only sporadically on indoor specimens.
Solid Green and Variegated Forms
Another common species, Tradescantia fluminensis, along with its cultivars, presents a visual profile that is less dramatically patterned than T. zebrina. The standard form of T. fluminensis has glossy, dark green leaves that are smooth and slightly fleshy. These leaves have an ovate shape and a pointed tip, and their undersides may sometimes carry a purplish tint.
The variegation in these forms differs from the silver striping of the iconic variety. Cultivars of T. fluminensis often display variegation in shades of cream, white, or pale yellow, which typically runs along the leaf margins or streaks throughout the leaf blade. For example, the variety ‘Quicksilver’ features white stripes lengthwise across the dark green leaf. These types generally have a less hairy texture on the leaf surface compared to the sometimes mildly fuzzy T. zebrina.