Tradescantia Varieties 2024: 25 Common and Rare Types

Tradescantia is popular for houseplant propagation due to its unique appearance and beautiful growth habit. Tradescantia has a life span of 3 years or more and is well-known for its low-light tolerance. If you’re new to propagating houseplants, Tradescantia is a great choice to start your journey.

We have culled a list of 25 common and rare Tradescantia varieties to propagate. If you have been unsure about the next choice of propagation, you are right on time because all you need to make your selection is right here.

Dive in to see what’s in store for you.

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Tradescantia Plant Overview

Tradescantia is known for its unique tri-colored leaves and its ability to propagate easily from cuttings. It’s a common houseplant that is relatively easy to grow and can be used in hanging baskets or as a ground cover. Here are some basic details about this plant you should know.

Common name	Tradescantia, Wandering Jew
Scientific name	Tradescantia spp.
Family	Commelinaceae
Origin	Central and South America
Height	Can grow up to 6 inches tall
Leaves	Tri-colored, usually purple, green and white, long and narrow
Flowers	Small, three-petaled, and usually pink or purple
Fruit	Small berries
Season	All year round
Climate	Tropical and subtropical, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures
Soil	Well-drained, fertile, and moist
Light	Bright, indirect light, can tolerate low light
Watering	Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
Propagation	Cuttings, stem or leaf cuttings

25 Most Common and Rare Types Of Tradescantia

The following are common and rare Tradescantia varieties to consider for indoor and outdoor propagation: 

1. Tradescantia Purple Heart

Tradescantia Purple Heart is an everblooming perennial plant. Purple Heart has a unique tropical look with its small, dark purple leaves edged in white and a deeper purple heart-shaped flower pod. The flowers make a wonderful addition to any garden or houseplant.

This beauty will add color in many different types of indoor or outdoor locations. Tradescantia Purple Heart needs bright indirect or filtered light to grow.

They look best placed evenly along one side of a window letting through some natural light. Keep out of direct sunlight as it can lose its brilliant color. Tradescantia Purple Heart can grow up to 0.3 m tall and spread up to 2 m.

2. Tradescantia Zebrina

Tradescantia Zebrina is an easy-to-grow plant that looks great in any flower pot or planter. This versatile plant produces flowers from spring through fall and is popular for hanging baskets. Tradescantia Zebrina prefers full sun to partial shade but can be grown in cool-summer areas as well.

Do not overwater although you may need to water at times during dry spells if there is no rain for several days. With this plant, do not add fertilizer until after new growth appears in springtime and again in early summer when growth slows down.

This plant gets about 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads out slowly.

3. Tradescantia Albiflora

Tradescantia Albiflora is one of the most stunning houseplants in the world. Tradescantia Albiflora is a great choice for beginners because they are easy to maintain and are easily brightly colored plants. This plant will flourish if you provide it with adequate amounts of sun, water, and fertilizer. It grows best in full sun to partial shade.

However, it can also be grown outdoors in any moist climate where temperatures do not fall below freezing. Plants can reach 4 to 6 inches tall with green or purple leaves that are leathery in texture and slightly wavy.

The flowers are typically purplish blue or white with five petals and an almost grassy scent when they bloom.

4. Tradescantia Burgundy

This spectacular Tradescantia Burgundy is a very compact, triangular-shaped perennial with four thick stems. It sits atop a sturdy vine and looks beautiful when fully blooming. It is fairly fast-growing and easy to care for. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and can be used as a houseplant in partial shade.

Tradescantia Burgundy plant has a strong root system which means it will be quite hungry in the spring and summer months, so make sure you’re feeding it with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks. This also means that Tradescantia Burgundy may need to be repotted annually depending on how large the roots become.

5. Tradescantia Lilac

The Tradescantia Lilac Plant is a beautiful indoor plant that produces very large blooms during summer. As a popular plant, it makes an excellent addition to gardens, patios, and balconies. This plant makes a great houseplant and uses its bright pastel colors to make the best of any room in your home.

It is easy to grow and has semi-evergreen foliage that turns brilliant colors in Autumn and early Winter.

Tradescantia Lily needs bright light and room to spread out. It does best when planted in organic soil. This plant will grow to a height of 5–10 feet tall but can take some pruning later to maintain an attractive shape.

6. Tradescantia Nanouk

Tradescantia Nanouk is a gorgeous, easy-to-grow houseplant with spectacular variegated foliage. Tradescantia Nanouk is ideal for small gardens and containers, in your beds and borders, or on the patio or balcony. The flowers are usually white and small, with large oval leaves and lovely contrasting white, pink, and/or green markings.

It will overflow with color, adding bold interest to any corner of your home. Primarily known for its lovely lilac-colored foliage, this variety grows best in full sun and thrives in sandy soil.

It does not require much pruning, aside from removing dead or damaged branches during the growing season. Tradescantia Nanouk can reach up to four feet tall and just one inch wide.

7. Tradescantia Pink Stripes

Tradescantia Pink stripes are one of the most common tradescantia varieties due to their easy care and bright colors. These blooming beauties have a compact and compact growth habit and take up less space than other varieties.

While it can be propagated outdoors, it is particularly recommended for indoor propagation due to its attractive foliage color and pattern. As an evergreen thick ground cover, this species is perfect for patios and borders.

This fussy-free genus does not require much care and will grow in full sun or light shade. While it prefers well-drained soil that receives moderate to good moisture, extended wet periods are fine provided they don’t overwhelm roots.

8. Tradescantia Andersonia Blushing Bride

Tradescantia Andersonia blushing bride is a beautiful shade of pink and has been described by many as a “Bridal Bouquet”, with its delicate petals that open up to reveal the blooms inside. This is a tropical perennial that is easy to grow in your garden or brings some delightful color to your house or office.

Tradescantia Andersonia’s blushing bride is perfect for indoor plants since they can grow both indoors and outdoors. Tradescantia Andersonia yields beautiful pink and white flowers during its blooming season.

It has long stems of almost an inch in length along with medium-sized leaves. It likes full, bright light and does best in soil rich with garden compost and a little grit. It is best to purchase organically grown seeds for this variety of Tradescantia. Because the plants are so delicate, they do not tolerate being moved too much or in cold temperatures.

9. Tradescantia Tricolor

Tradescantia Tricolor is an unusual bloomer that can be admired all year round. These plants are great choices for the shade or part shade garden or mixed borders. The Tradescantia blooms up to 8 inches wide in pink, red, or white.

Its pink, green, and white flowers are a vibrant reminder that spring is just around the corner, and it will look great in a hanging basket or any sunny window.

Tradescantia Tricolor as a popular houseplant has proven itself to be a favorite among gardeners, especially those new to the world of houseplants. This colorful plant is easy to care for, thriving in low light conditions and with regular watering.

10. Tradescantia Ohiensis

It is a low-growing plant that forms a branching rosette of leaves and flower stalks at the top of the plant. The leaves are lance-shaped and up to 4 inches long, with a smooth surface. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom at the top of tall leaf stalks emerging from terminal flower heads during early summer when conditions are cool and moist.

It needs minimal care to thrive in the moderate sunlight conditions of a home or office; simply remove dead leaves and place them in a sunny spot. Tradescantia Ohiensis are easy to care for as they are low-maintenance plants. They can be placed in window boxes on a patio, or even on a flower bed.

11. Tradescantia Red gem

Tradescantia red gem is naturally colored red with unique markings of white or green. They are easy to grow as long as they get enough sunlight. If you want to beautify your garden or home with this gem, remember to provide the plant with open space, water it well, and trim off any dead parts. For best results, water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Water deeply and infrequently in hot weather. This plant works best when given regular water throughout the growing season, but you should avoid over-watering.

12. Tradescantia Sillamontana

As a shade-tolerant houseplant, Tradescantia Sillamontana makes an attractive choice among other plants in your home. The colorful flowers of this shrub are also beautiful to look at. This Tradescantia variety is a beautiful houseplant that requires little care to grow. It blooms in the spring and summer, with huge, brilliant green leaves and small buds of purple flowers. Tradescantia Sillamontana, beautiful on its own, can be grown alone or paired with other plants such as Peperomia, Ficus tree, and others.

13. Tradescantia Fluminensis

Tradescantia fluminensis is a tropical plant with colorful leaves that grows best when placed outdoors in the sun. It can be grown indoors as well, but it grows more slowly than in the wild. Its long, feathery leaves are the perfect addition to your home or garden, adding color and movement to your space.

It has vivid colors of pink and green and blooms during the spring and summer months in most areas of the United States and Canada. The plants bloom atop tall stems covered in small white flowers about 5 inches in length.

Tradescantia fluminensis grows best in bright light with plenty of water to prevent root rot and provides a showy display during spring and summer.

14. Tradescantia Baby Bunny Ears

If you are a fan of trailing plants, Tradescantia Baby bunny ears are a great option. This houseplant flower has large, bright pink, daisy-like flowers that bloom in spring or summer and form clumps of leaves at the top of the plant.

A good container for this houseplant is one with smaller holes in the bottom because the roots of this plant can get tangled up and need more room to grow.

The flowers are unique, which makes every piece unique. The colors are always bold and beautiful, as well as floral gardens. If you love flowers, you should have a pair of this beautiful variety.

15. Tradescantia Spathacea

Tradescantia Spathacea is a beautiful and homely houseplant that thrives in many different conditions, with full sun to light shade. It loves humidity but can tolerate dryness as well. As such, it can be placed anywhere in your home or garden.

Its leaves can vary in color from green to purple and its flowers are white buttercup yellow, or rarely pink. Tradescantia Spathacea looks beautiful every year, whether indoors or outdoors, as it grows along the ground like a ground cover plant.

16. Tradescantia Bubble Gum

Tradescantia Bubble Gum is the perfect addition to your home due to its spectacular foliage color and design. Bubble gum is a unique favorite for any person who has a passion for splashy colors. The leaves produce a colorful explosion of pink, yellow, and purple colors with white stripes throughout.

You can choose from your beautiful flowers and include them in gift baskets as they are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or you can keep it all for yourself.

This plant will bloom for several months and grow up to 12 inches in width. It is happiest in partially shady to full shade areas but will tolerate light shade. It can also be grown indoors if provided with bright light and lots of water.

17. Tradescantia Jew Bianca

Tradescantia Jew Bianca is a popular choice due to its gorgeous striped foliage pink, purple, or green, and its ability to produce an abundance of leaves. It’s a great choice to beautify your yard and its attractive foliage will make your outdoor space pop.

Tradescantia Jew Bianca can reach up to 12 inches tall and bloom in multi-colored panicles with deep magenta lips. This cultivar is easy to grow and will thrive in a wide variety of conditions, from shady to sunlit areas.

18. Tradescantia Evanesce

Tradescantia Evanesce is known for its beautiful blooms or compact leaves that leave a striking impression in any environment in which it’s grown. This plant blooms from spring through mid-summer with white flowers surrounded by golden rays.

It’s a delicate, decorative succulent that requires minimal care. This plant produces small clusters of elegant leaves, which can be cascaded to create a wild-looking display.

The pot may also be used as a miniature fountain for accenting the garden. During winter and early spring months, Tradescantia Evanesce needs a little less water.

19. Tradescantia Blossfeldiana

Tradescantia Blossfeldiana is a lovely and delicate plant with a unique mix of colors, depending on the type of flower you receive. The most popular color is white, but it also comes in reddish-purple and pastel varieties. Its pop of colors will upgrade the outlook of your indoor space be it your home or office.

Tradescantia Blossfeldiana is not only beautiful, but it has interesting fragrant flowers that can be used to beautify your garden. The plant grows to a height of approximately 12 inches. Tradescantia Blossfeldiana plants are easy to care for and rarely have pest problems.

It can be cultivated in any warm and dry location. In particular, we recommend you give it the most appropriate position so it can receive adequate lighting for its growth.

20. Tradescantia Tiama

Although this Tradescantia plant does not have unique colors like other varieties, Tiama is admired for its compact size and distinctive striped foliage pattern. They are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring only occasional pruning and fertilizing.

One of the easiest ways to ensure healthier growth, more flowers, and longer-lasting plant blooms is by increasing the amount of light available to your plant. The best way to maximize your plant’s exposure to sunlight is through proper placement.

We suggest placing Tradescantia Tiama in a location that receives at least 3 hours of direct sunlight each day. You can also help provide them with water regularly to keep the soil moist and prevent wilting.

21. Tradescantia Sunny Star

Tradescantia Sunny Star is a beautiful, hardy plant that comes in a variety of colors (green, yellow, purple). This drought-tolerant plant is easy to care for and will reward you with many blooms from spring through fall.

Tradescantia Sunny Star is a beautiful landscaping plant that doesn’t take up much space. Just keep the soil well moist, and avoid allowing the shade to interfere with sunlight.

This Tradescantia also does well in containers, as long as they get a lot of light. Its graceful arching foliage can provide fullness and color in containers or mixed plantings

22. Tradescantia Bridal Veil

Tradescantia Bridal veil has showstopping features, befitting an environment keen on giving off a dramatic appeal. Your Tradescantia Bridal veil is a work of art that should be treated with care. The bridal veil should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

During the winter months, it can be kept indoors in a cool, dark location with no direct sunlight. For the Tradescantia bridal veil, you can use an indoor trellis or hanging baskets to create a showy display that would improve the outlook of your home. 

23. Tradescantia Dwarf Rhoeo

Tradescantia Dwarf Rhoeo is a great houseplant for anyone who wants a less demanding plant with exotic flowers. You’ll be able to keep your Tradescantia alive indoors all year round, especially in the winter months when you’re not as keen to move your plants outdoors.

Tradescantia Dwarf Rhoeo is a beautiful indoor plant that can grow almost anywhere as long as it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It can be planted in containers with soil or laid on the ground if you don’t have a pot for it.

24. Tradescantia Green Hill

Tradescantia Green Hill is an excellent houseplant, making an attractive conversation piece in any room of the house. Tradescantia Green Hill is a beautiful plant that’s easy to grow and works in just about any home.

Tradescantia Green Hill, with its brilliant green foliage, is a houseplant that loves to be outdoors but can be grown indoors.

This plant is easy to grow, as long as you keep it watered and don’t let it dry out in between watering. If you do have to fertilize it, ensure that you use liquid plant food once every month.

25. Tradescantia Rhoeo Bicolor

Tradescantia Rhoe bicolor is a tropical plant that thrives in a warm and humid environment. It’s a great choice for your home, office, or garden. This plant is considered an easy-to-care-for species that can grow well under most conditions.

The bicolor blooms from June to September, and includes two shades of yellow and white flowers.

This Tradescantia variety is ideal for planting in large containers, hanging baskets, or backyard beds. The plant requires little maintenance and will find a home in almost any setting, but its beauty is most apparent when grown in situations that provide the perfect medium for optimal exposure to light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Note 

Having gone through this long list of the most attractive common, and rare varieties, let us know the top 5 Tradescantia varieties that piqued your interest.

Also, which variety are you planning to propagate in the coming season?