If you want to learn about Wandering Jew plant benefits, then you’ve come to the right place.
Wandering Jews, also known as Wandering Dudes, Trad or Silver Inch plants, have a unique appearance and are quite easy to grow and propagate. They are not very expensive either and make a great addition to any plant collection either inside or outside.
In this article, we’ll explore the main types of Wandering Jew plants, as well as seven key benefits of these plants and some things you need to be aware of before purchasing one.
Disclaimer – The name Wandering Jew refers to an old legend from the 13th century about a mythical immortal man, but since that time it has been associated negatively with the events of WW2. For the sake of simplicity we will keep the original name for this article, but we are aware of the negative connotations involved.
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Types Of Wandering Jew Plant
The Wandering Jew plant, also known as Tradescantia, consists of various attractive varieties, making it a popular houseplant choice.
In this section, we will explore three main types of Wandering Jew plants: Tradescantia fluminensis, Tradescantia zebrina, and Tradescantia pallida.
Tradescantia Fluminensis
Tradescantia fluminensis, originating from South America, is commonly seen in homes and gardens in Central America, Mexico, Colombia, and Africa.
This variety has vibrant green foliage, which makes it a beautiful addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Its adaptability to various lighting conditions makes it suitable for beginners who want an easy-to-care-for houseplant.
Tradescantia Zebrina
Also known as the inch plant, Tradescantia zebrina is another popular variety of the Wandering Jew plant. Its striking silver and green striped leaves give it an eye-catching appearance, perfect for decorating indoor or outdoor spaces.
Native to Central America, this variety thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can be grown as a trailing or cascading plant, offering versatility in between the landscape or container gardens.
Tradescantia Pallida
Tradescantia pallida, commonly known as Purple Heart, is native to Mexico and is appreciated for its deep purple foliage. Adorned with light purplish-pink flowers, this plant is one of the most popular types of Wandering Jew plants.
Apart from growing it as a striking ground cover, you can also have it in hanging baskets. This stunning variety is well-suited for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, providing a rich contrast to other green plants in your collection.
These three varieties of Wandering Jew plants, each with their unique characteristics, provide a diverse range of options for enthusiasts to explore. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, these plants are sure to bring beauty and interest to any space.
7 Wandering Jew Plant Benefits
The Wandering Jew Plant offers a range of benefits and uses, making it a popular choice for many garden enthusiasts and houseplant lovers.
Here are the 7 most important benefits to consider:
1. Aesthetic And Decorative Uses
The Wandering Jew Plant is known for its attractive foliage, which features distinctive stripes and a rich color palette.
The plant’s trailing vines make it an ideal choice for hanging baskets, creating a unique and eye-catching addition to any indoor space. Furthermore, the plant’s delicate flowers add a touch of beauty to any room.
2. Medicinal Benefits
While not widely known, the Wandering Jew Plant has some potential medicinal benefits.
Traditionally, it has been used in some cultures to alleviate inflammation and aid in antioxidant support.
However, further research is needed to confirm these uses and determine potential side effects.
3. Air Purification Benefits
Wandering Jew Plants can contribute to improving the air quality in your home.
Researchers found that Tradescantia pallida specifically exhibited superior abilities to remove VOCs from the air.
4. Easy To Propagate
One of the major benefits of Wandering Jew Plants is their ease of propagation. This plant can be easily propagated by taking stem cuttings and planting them in soil or water.
This process enables the rapid growth of new plants, making it an efficient and affordable way to expand your garden or share the plant with friends.
5. Easy Care
The Wandering Jew Plant is known for its low-maintenance nature. It thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a great option for those who have limited experience with plant care.
The plant does best in a consistent temperature range and responds well to moderate watering.
6. Cheap To Buy
Wandering Jew Plants are relatively inexpensive compared to other houseplants, making them an accessible choice for people on a budget.
Their affordability, coupled with their aesthetic appeal and easy care, has contributed to the Wandering Jew Plant’s popularity in both indoor and outdoor gardening settings.
7. Can Be Grown Inside Or Outside
The last key benefit we’ll cover is that Wandering Jew plants can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate where you live. It will thrive in USDA growing zones 9-11
Whether you’re sprucing up your front porch or looking for a new office plant, the Wandering Jew plant is a great, flexible option.
Things To Know About Wandering Jew Plants
Although there are a lot of Wandering Jew Plant benefits, there are some important things to know about this plant before you get one.
Pets And Wandering Jew Plant
Wandering Jew Plants can pose certain risks to pets, particularly cats and dogs. The sap present in the plant may cause skin irritation in humans and, if ingested, can be moderately toxic to animals.
Common symptoms in pets that have ingested the plant are vomiting, diarrhea, and increased salivation. It is crucial to keep the Wandering Jew Plant out of reach of pets to mitigate potential health risks.
Invasive Species Concerns
Wandering Jew plants are known for their rapid growth and adaptability to different environments. As a result, they can easily become invasive species, potentially harming local ecosystems.
The plant thrives in various climates, including USDA growing zones 9-11. If it starts growing uncontrollably in a non-native habitat, it can outcompete native plants by disrupting soil quality and established plant communities.
In places like Florida and South Africa, Wandering Jew Plants are listed as invasive, and you are not allowed to grow them.
When planting Wandering Jew in your garden or outdoor space, it is essential to monitor its growth and take necessary measures to prevent its spread into neighboring areas.
You should also research your particular area to see whether you are allowed to grow them there or not.
In Summary
There are a lot of Wandering Jew Benefits, and you should definitely consider adding this plant to your collection either indoors or outdoors.
Always check that the species isn’t invasive in your area and you should have no problem growing this plant as long as the conditions are suited for it.
