Tradescantia fluminensis or ‘Wandering Jew Weed’

How to Get Rid of Wandering Trad 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.

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Tradescantia fluminensis
• Common Names: Wandering Trad, Wandering Jew Weed, Trad
• Weed Type: Invasive creeping groundcover
• Main Problem: Regrows from tiny stem fragments
• Preferred Habitat: Moist, shaded areas
• Best Control (Small Patches): Careful hand removal
• Best Control (Large Infestations): Herbicide plus follow-up treatments
• Key Warning: Never leave plant material on the ground
• Follow‑up: Essential for months or longer

How to Control Trad or Wandering Jew by removal or eradication

1. Hand Removal (for Small Patches)

• Pull or lift entire plants, including roots and runners.
• Bag every piece immediately — do not shake or drag it across the garden.
• If it’s growing among other plants, trim surrounding growth first so you can see every runner.Tip: Recheck the area weekly for new shoots. Early removal prevents reinfestation.

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2. Herbicide Treatment (for Larger Infestations)

• Use a glyphosate‑based or triclopyr‑based herbicide, following label instructions.
• Apply when the weed is actively growing.
• As the leaves are glossy, repeat applications are often necessary for complete control.

Focus on full coverage, especially in shaded areas, and always follow safety and environmental guidelines.

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3. Repeat and Monitor

Even after treatment, fragments can reshoot. Inspect the area every few weeks and retreat as needed.

Regular follow‑up is the key to long‑term success.

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Safe Disposal and Prevention

• Bag and remove all plant material — never compost it.
• Seal green waste bags during transport to stop fragments escaping.
• Replant bare areas with dense groundcovers to reduce space for regrowth.
• Monitor shaded corners or garden edges regularly for new shoots.Improving canopy cover and drying out damp areas can help prevent re‑establishment.

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Organic Control Options

An organic approach can work if you’re patient:

• Carefully hand‑remove plants and repeat as needed.
• Smother small patches with thick mulch, cardboard, or black plastic.

Organic control is best for small infestations but requires persistence and regular follow‑up.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving small stem or leaf pieces on the soil
• Composting or mulching with removed plants
• Mowing and spreading fragments around the garden
• Ignoring regrowth after one treatment
• Allowing it to creep into shaded, unmonitored corners

Though it appears delicate, Wandering Jew is one of the most persistent weeds in Australian gardens.

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FAQ