7 Things Everyone with a Tradescantia (Wandering Dude) Should Know

If you’re looking to add a splash of color and variety to your indoor garden, Tradescantia, commonly known as Wandering Dude, is an excellent choice.

This vibrant plant, native to the Americas, offers a range of stunning foliage options—from shimmering leaves to deep emeralds paired with burgundy undersides, and even silvery stripes.

Whether you’re drawn to its tiny delicate leaves or its large, cascading stems, there’s a Tradescantia variety for every plant lover.

However, before you bring one home, here are seven essential things to know about this versatile and hardy houseplant.

1. A Resilient and Hard-to-Kill Houseplant

One of the standout features of Tradescantia is its resilience. This plant is virtually unkillable, making it an ideal choice for both novice gardeners and those with a less-than-consistent care routine.

Tradescantia’s ability to thrive in various conditions has even earned it a spot on several invasive species lists. However, this adaptability is precisely what makes it such a fantastic houseplant.

Whether you travel frequently or occasionally forget to water your plants, Tradescantia will likely forgive your neglect and continue to thrive.

These hardy plants can bounce back from neglect, making them perfect for anyone who may not have a green thumb. They’re adaptable to different environments, and they can be kept compact or allowed to grow bushy and large.

In terms of care, Tradescantia isn’t picky about soil as long as it’s well-draining. Overwatering is the main thing to avoid, as it can lead to root rot.

Even if you miss a few care steps, your Tradescantia is likely to survive and thrive.

2. Growing New Plants is a Breeze

Tradescantia is incredibly easy to propagate, which is part of why it grows so prolifically. This plant can root wherever a node touches the soil, making it simple to create new plants.

You don’t even need to start with water propagation; just place a stem in a pot of moist soil, ensuring that the leaf node is beneath the surface.

If your existing Tradescantia is looking a bit sparse, you can easily rejuvenate it. Lay one of the trailing stems across the surface of the soil, and wherever there is a leaf node, it will take root and begin to grow new stems.

Within a few weeks, you’ll have a fuller, healthier plant. Propagating Tradescantia is not only easy but also a great way to share this beautiful plant with friends.

3. Tradescantia Can Help Root Other Plants

Thanks to the natural rooting hormones found in its stems, Tradescantia can also assist in propagating other plants. If you’re trying to root a plant that’s a bit more difficult to propagate, Tradescantia can give it a helpful boost.

Simply snip a Tradescantia stem and squeeze some of its juices onto the cut stem of the plant you’re trying to root. If you’re propagating in water, you can also squeeze the juices into the water to encourage root growth.

This method is particularly useful for plants that require extra encouragement to develop roots. By using Tradescantia as a natural rooting hormone, you can increase the chances of successful propagation, making it a valuable ally in your indoor gardening efforts.

4. From Wandering Jew to Wandering Dude

Until recently, several species of Tradescantia were commonly referred to as “Wandering Jew.” While this name might seem harmless at first glance, it actually has problematic origins.

The name is derived from a medieval Christian legend about a Jewish man who was cursed to wander the earth for mocking Jesus on his way to the crucifixion.

Over time, this story has been used to promote antisemitism, making the name deeply offensive to many. In light of this, the plant has been given a more inclusive and modern name: Wandering Dude.

This name not only sheds the negative connotations of the old name but also feels more fitting for a plant that’s known for its ability to thrive and adapt to various environments.

5. Tradescantia’s Fairy-Like Flowers

While Tradescantia is primarily grown for its striking foliage, it also produces small, three-petaled flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.

These flowers typically bloom for just one day, but when multiple blooms appear at once, they create beautiful splashes of color against the plant’s rich green leaves.

To encourage flowering, make sure your Tradescantia gets plenty of bright, indirect light. Using a fertilizer designed for African violets can also provide the necessary nutrients for blossom development.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and with a little patience, you may see buds forming, especially after a period of dormancy during the fall and winter.

It’s important to note that not all Tradescantia species are prolific bloomers. However, varieties like Tradescantia pallida and Tradescantia multiflora are more likely to produce flowers, so if blooms are important to you, consider choosing one of these species.

6. Keeping Those Vibrant Leaves

One of the most common issues Tradescantia owners encounter is fading or discolored leaves. The vibrant colors that make this plant so appealing are highly dependent on light.

Tradescantia needs plenty of bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant colors. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, its leaves may lose their intensity and become washed out.

On the flip side, too much direct sunlight can also cause problems. Prolonged exposure to direct sun can lead to leaf scorch, where the leaves may fade or develop sunburn spots.

To keep your Tradescantia looking its best, find a spot with plenty of filtered sunlight or provide shade during the hottest parts of the day.

7. The Many Faces of Tradescantia

One of the most exciting aspects of growing Tradescantia is the sheer variety of species available. With over 75 species to choose from, there’s a Tradescantia to suit every taste.

Popular houseplant varieties include Tradescantia zebrina, known for its distinctive striped leaves, and Tradescantia pallida, often grown outdoors in warmer climates.