Tradescantia fluminensis or ‘Wandering Jew Weed’
The question of How to Control Trad or Wandering Jew is a complicated one. This is a very difficult plant to quickly eradicate, however, over time it can be done.
Tradescantia fluminensis, ‘Wandering Jew Weed’ or ‘Wandering Trad’ is an invasive creeper like weed that is difficult to kill.
It is shade tolerant, smothers other plants by forming a dense mat and will regenerate from the smallest piece dropped of left on the ground.
Some of the Systemic weed killers based on glyphosate can be used on Tradescantia fluminensis (Tradescantia albiflora).
The big problem with Wandering Jew or Wandering Trad is that although it is vigorous and this is a problem, it is also weak so it is very easily broken when digging or weeding.
As it will ‘take’ from the smallest of pieces, anything that is dropped is a potential ‘new weed’. In lawns, if mown it will spread widely and any pieces caught in the mower will ‘take’ if dropped somewhere later on.
How to Control Trad or Wandering Jew by removal or eradication
- Weeding.
Weeding can solve the problem, but careful weeding so that you remove every piece and place it directly into a plastic bag for correct disposal. You will need to keep at it for a few years, but it can be eradicated. - Poison or weed killer.
Because of the waxy glossy foliage Wandering Jew if fairly resistent to sprays. Some reports say that by adding dishwashing liquid to glyphosate weed killers a higher success rate can be had. Consult manufactures directions. - Smothering.
This stuff is tough, you could try smothering with black plastic, however repeat weeding is probably better and easier. - Organic solution.
Weeding