The “Wandering Jew” is a common name for several vibrant, fast-growing plants in the Tradescantia genus, such as Tradescantia zebrina and Tradescantia pallida. These plants are prized for their trailing habit and striking, colorful foliage, ranging from silvery-green stripes to deep, velvety purple. Companion planting pairs the Wandering Jew with other species that share its needs while providing complementary textures and colors. This method ensures all plants thrive together, resulting in a cohesive and visually rich display.
Understanding Wandering Jew Environmental Needs
The successful pairing of the Wandering Jew with other plants depends entirely on matching its specific environmental requirements. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light; direct sun can scorch its delicate leaves and cause colors to fade. Insufficient light results in “leggy” growth and a loss of color variegation. The soil must remain consistently moist but well-draining to prevent the fleshy stems and roots from rotting.
A peat moss-based potting mix or rich, well-aerated soil amended with perlite or coarse sand is ideal for maintaining the necessary moisture balance. The plant is a vigorous grower, quickly producing long, trailing stems that can easily outcompete smaller, slower-growing species. Companion selections must be equally robust or positioned so they are not overwhelmed by the Tradescantia’s rapid spread. These requirements serve as the baseline for choosing suitable companions.
Suggested Companions for Containers and Hanging Baskets
When selecting plants for shared containers, the Wandering Jew typically functions as the “spiller,” cascading over the edges. To balance this trailing form, companions should offer an upright or mounding shape for vertical interest and contrast. The shared need for bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil favors popular shade-loving annuals and foliage plants.
For vibrant color contrast, use blooming plants like Impatiens or Wax Begonias, which offer shades of pink, red, or white. Begonia foliage provides a simple, rounded leaf shape that contrasts sharply with the striped leaves of T. zebrina or the purple of T. pallida. The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is an excellent textural element, whose fine, arching fronds create a soft, feathery texture alongside the succulent stems.
Combining the Wandering Jew with other foliage plants that have a different color palette can create a sophisticated look. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) or certain Philodendron varieties can be used, provided they are placed in a container that offers enough vertical structure for their vining habit to climb or trail in a different direction. The large, heart-shaped leaves of these vines present a bold, solid green or yellow-variegated texture, preventing the arrangement from looking too uniformly purple or striped. Regular pruning of the fast-growing Tradescantia will be necessary to maintain a balanced display and prevent it from completely obscuring its companions.
Suggested Companions for Shady Garden Beds
Using the Wandering Jew as a groundcover in shaded outdoor areas requires pairing it with plants that can withstand its aggressive, spreading nature. Companions chosen for garden beds must be substantial enough to hold their own against the Wandering Jew’s runners.
Large-leafed perennials such as Hostas are ideal, providing a bold, architectural contrast with their mounding habit and thick, often blue or gold-variegated foliage. Selecting large Hostas, like ‘Sum and Substance,’ ensures they are not quickly smothered. Caladiums, with their brightly colored, patterned leaves, also make striking partners, adding height and intense color in low-light areas.
For softer texture and height, the plume-like flowers of Astilbe add a vertical element, blooming in shades of pink, red, or white above the foliage. Ferns, such as the Japanese Painted Fern, introduce a delicate, finely-cut texture that beautifully complements the broad, succulent leaves of the Tradescantia. When planted directly in the ground, gardeners must actively monitor and trim back the Wandering Jew’s runners to prevent it from becoming overly dominant and overwhelming less vigorous perennial partners.