Our list of plants are the best companions to your Wandering Jew plant! With similar growing needs, they also make for a fabulous indoor display.
If you are thinking of giving your Wandering Dude (Tradescantia) a little company, we have created a list of the best plants to grow alongside it for a stunning display! Also, learn why these plants go best with this trailing beauty.
What Grows Best with a Wandering Dude?
Simply look for those plants that have similar preferences to your wandering jew. If you are already a Tradescantia parent, you should know that it thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moderate humidity and warmth.
Pair it with plants that match its growing conditions to ensure a thriving arrangement that requires minimal extra effort. The right combination will also help you enhance its beauty and provide an excellent display.
Wandering Jew Companion Plants
1. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
One of the easiest companion plants for a tradescantia is undoubtedly the Spider Plant. It enjoys bright, indirect light and regular watering. The spider plant’s arching and variegated leaves also provide a soft contrast to the bold, purple tones of tradescantia.
Known for its air-purifying qualities, this plant pairing beautifies and cleans up the air! The spider plant is relatively low-maintenance, which makes it an easy Tradescantia neighbor.
2. Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
Boston fern and Tradescantia together are like a treasure trove of plant gems! While one has robust, patterned purple-silver cascading foliage, the other has fresh green feathery fronds that lend the entire imagery a magical feel!
Since both these plants love humidity, grouping them creates a mini microclimate that will keep them thriving. When growing Boston fern, remember to keep the soil moist but not soggy and occasionally mist both plants to maintain humidity levels.
3. Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
If tradescantia plant is so easy to grow, the other ones should be easier too! And that brings us to the resilient pothos! With its heart-shaped leaves in green and variegated patterns, pothos even thrives in shade and tolerates occasional drying out.
This easy-care duo creates a cascading jungle effect when placed together. Choose a bright windowsill or an indoor plant shelf to uplift the aesthetics of your home.
4. Calathea
Botanical Name: Calathea spp.
If you love bold foliage, calathea is a great partner for your Wandering Jew. Its leaf patterns and purple hue on the undersides enhance the beauty of striking Tradescantia.
Since Calatheas are sensitive to water quality, use filtered or distilled water that benefits both plants.
5. Begonias
Botanical Name: Begonia spp.
Begonia, especially the Rex type, is an excellent friend to the Wandering Jew. Its colorful, patterned, variegated leaves offer a stunning backdrop for the twining foliage of Tradescantia.
Both plants enjoy bright, indirect light and regular moisture, but you need to ensure ample air circulation while pairing the two. Excess humidity could lead to mold and fungal issues for your wandering dude.
6. Philodendron
Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum
Another trailing plant on the list is the philodendron, which pairs beautifully with our plant. Its cascading vines contrast beautifully against the pointed leaves of Tradescantia while creating a visual balance.
Both plants thrive in indirect light, enjoy lightly moist soil, and also grow at a similar pace, quickly filling their space with lush foliage. This matching growth pattern ensures that neither plant outcompetes the other, which is important when growing plants together.
7. Peperomia
Botanical Name: Peperomia spp.
Peperomia has small, rounded leaves that complement and contrast Tradescantia’s trailing vines. You can grow different varieties and choose shades like green, silver, or even red to spice up your home interiors.
Peperomia enjoys moderate watering and similar light conditions—a compatible and fuss-free pairing. Its compact growth habit is ideal for your Tradescantia to meander about. Its thick, succulent-like leaves also help retain moisture and create humidity for both plants.
8. Prayer Plant
Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura
Looking for a plant that moves along with your Wandering Jew? Then, the prayer plant is just the perfect candidate. Its habit of folding its leaves at night adds an interactive element to your plant collection.
With stunning vein-like foliage patterns and a love for humidity, Maranta thrives and looks amazing alongside Tradescantia, especially when placed on a stand with varying heights. This will allow the Tradescantia to cascade while the Maranta’s bold foliage remains visible.
