Wandering Dude, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a popular houseplant with its striking purple and green leaves. This plant is easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners. However, there are different types of Wandering Dude plants available in the market that may confuse you. In this article, we will discuss the various types of Wandering Dude plants and help you choose the right one for your home.
The most common type of Wandering Dude plant is the Tradescantia zebrina. This variety has green leaves with purple stripes and silver-colored undersides. It is a fast-growing plant that can quickly fill up any space in your house.
Another popular variety of Wandering Dude plant is the Tradescantia pallida, which is also known as Purple Heart or Purple Queen. As the name suggests, this plant has deep purple leaves that can add an eye-catching pop of color to any room. It is also easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions.
Tradescantia fluminensis, also called Small-Leaf Spiderwort, has small green leaves with white stripes on the edges. This variety prefers moist soil and bright indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions.
Tradescantia spathacea, also known as Moses-in-the-Cradle or Boat Lily, has broad green leaves with a white stripe down the center. This plant grows in a clump and produces small white flowers. It can tolerate low light conditions but prefers bright indirect sunlight.
Tradescantia nanouk is a relatively new variety of Wandering Dude plant. It has a compact growth habit and produces pink and green leaves. This plant prefers bright indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
Tradescantia sillamontana, also known as White Velvet or Cobweb Spiderwort, has fuzzy white leaves that feel velvety to the touch. This plant prefers bright indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
When choosing a Wandering Dude plant, consider the size and light requirements of your home. If you have limited space, choose a compact variety like Tradescantia nanouk. If you have low light conditions, choose a plant like Tradescantia pallida that can tolerate these conditions. However, if you have bright indirect sunlight, any variety of Wandering Dude plant will thrive.
A1. Water your Wandering Dude plant once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
A2. Yes, you can propagate your Wandering Dude plant by taking stem cuttings and placing them in water or well-draining soil.
A3. Yes, you can keep your Wandering Dude plant outside in a shaded area during the summer months. However, make sure to bring it indoors before the temperature drops below 50°F.
A4. Yes, you can fertilize your Wandering Dude plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.
A5. Prune your Wandering Dude plant by cutting back overgrown stems to encourage new growth. You can also pinch the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.