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Tradescantia Mundula Fairy Wings - A Rare Beauty That Radiates the Amethyst Glow

Bring this fairylike color into your home and designs with this fast-growing, sprawling tropical plant that has pointed oval leaves with uniform pinkish-purple variegation.

By: THURSD. | 11-12-2024 | 7 min read
Floral Trend Color Foliage Outdoor Plants
Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Brings the 2025 Thursd Floral Trend Color Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs

With a name just as dreamy as its ethereal nature, Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ is much more than just another graceful addition to any decor. It is a true jewel. It does more than just fascinate the imaginations of all those who perceive and experience its beauty. With its intriguingly striking variegated foliage and delicate white blooms, this uncommon cultivar is a much sought-after addition to the palette that makes the 2025 Floral Trend Color, Amethyst Glow. It brings elegance to any arrangement featuring the colors in this trend.

 

Tradescantia Mundula Fairy Wings - A Rare Beauty That Radiates the Amethyst Glow

 

The Allure of Tradescantia Mundula 'Fairy Wings'

Closely related to—and often confused with—the Tradescantia fluminensis, a species of spiderwort native to South America and which is one of several plants known by the common name Wandering Jew, the very rare Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ brings not just beauty but a mystical aura to a floral arrangement or any setting it graces.

 

Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Brings the 2025 Thursd Floral Trend Color Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ amethyst glow color.
Photo by @whysoplanty

 

It is a clump-forming, trailing perennial that hails from the Commelinaceae family, a diverse group of plants known for their vivacious colors and beautiful patterns, and has leaves with uniform pinkish-purple variegation. Aside from the variegation, the leaves exhibit a beauty with a pale background that has colors ranging from light reddish-purple to very pale purple. The stripes on these leaves showcase a mixture of colors, including greyish-olive green and sometimes moderate yellow-green, while their undersides display a stunning contrast, with dark purple in some areas and light reddish purple to pinkish white in others.

 

Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Brings the 2025 Thursd Floral Trend Color Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Photo by Commelinaceae Prague

 

The foliage, with a stunning combination of pinkish and purple gives the Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings' a fairytale-like radiance. Alongside these features, Tradescantia mundula 'Fairy Wings' also produces equally elegant flowers. The flowers’ petals are pure white and slightly pointed, creating a delicate and graceful appearance. Their anthers add some color to the flower with their yellow hue, while the stamen filaments and pistil remain white. All these qualities give the plant an eye-catching appearance.

 

Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Brings the 2025 Thursd Floral Trend Color Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Photo by @wormsintheearth

 

The Unique Qualities of Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’

Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ has many unique qualities that make it stand out from its contemporaries. One of its most notable features is its stunning Amethyst Glow color. The amethyst-like glow is a result of the interplay between the plant's pink, purple, and grey-green tones. This unique shade is rare in the floral plant world and, therefore, adds a bit of mystic elegance and intricacy. It is also an enthralling quality that allows the cultivar to integrate into a wide range of color schemes seamlessly, from soft and romantic palettes to subtly bold and vibrant compositions, reminiscent of the Northern Lights. Aurora Glow, the Floral Trend Color Palette 2025, is inspired by the Northern Lights. The undersides of the leaves add further intrigue, showcasing hues that create a dynamic visual effect that seems to change with the light. 

 

Tradescantia Mundula Fairy Wings Brings the Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Photo by @tradescantiahub

 

In addition, Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ has a trailing or creeping growth habit, which makes it an excellent choice for hanging arrangements or as a ground cover in floral displays. Its stems can grow long and lush, allowing for a cascading effect that adds depth and movement to the design. The growth habit of this fast-growing, and sprawling tropical plant not only enhances its appeal but also makes it a versatile option for different design styles; from Bohemian to modern minimalist and others in between. Plus, as a bonus, Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ produces delicate white flowers, which gives a touch of romance to it. 

 

Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Brings the 2025 Thursd Floral Trend Color Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Photo by Tradescantia Hub

 

To crown it all, the versatile Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ is relatively low maintenance, thus perfect for busy individuals or those new to gardening. It requires minimal care, which makes it easy to grow of incorporate into various floral arrangements without the hassle of extensive upkeep.

 

Tradescantia Mundula Fairy Wings Brings the Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Photo by @whysoplanty

 

Bringing Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Amethyst Glow Into Your Decor and Designs

As a versatile plant, it can be employed in different styles, including in the home decor, as well as in floral designs and event arrangements; from elegant table centerpieces to whimsical bridal pieces. The amethyst glow color complements a wide array of hues like green, lilac, lavender, and soft pink, among others, allowing for an even more enchanting yet cohesive look.  One can, essentially, pair it with flowers with complementary colors like deep purples, pinks, or soft greens to create a harmonious arrangement. The white flowers can, on the other hand, enhance the overall look, especially when contrasted with darker blooms or foliage.

 

Tradescantia Mundula Fairy Wings - A Rare Beauty That Radiates the Amethyst Glow

 

Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ can, as a result, be used in wide-ranging floral arrangements, where it could add depth and a splash of soft color. Its amethyst radiance pairs beautifully with different pastels for a gentle, dreamy look, or with deep purples, lilacs, and even lustrous green for a more dramatic outcome. The leaves can be interwoven in the floral designs to give a flowing, natural look, thus enhancing the general composition.

 

Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Brings the 2025 Thursd Floral Trend Color Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Photo by Commelinaceae Prague

 

It also has more decorative uses in that it can be incorporated into event decor, from hanging installations in wedding decor to centerpieces. The plant’s delicate and elegant nature makes it a perfect choice for bridal bouquets, for instance. Combined with other garden favorites like peonies, ranunculus, and Scabiosa, it can create an enchanting and romantic look and feel.

Likewise, Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ trailing nature makes it ideal for vertical gardens or as a hanging plant. Its leaves simply cascade like a glowing waterfall of color, bringing some nature's elegance indoors. Plus, its vibrant yet soothing color palette can complement various other interior designs.

 

Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Brings the 2025 Thursd Floral Trend Color Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Photo by Commelinaceae Prague

 

Even still, it can be used in general mixed bouquets combined with other flowers and greenery to create a lush, vibrant arrangement. Here, its trailing habit softens the edges of a bouquet, adding a quixotic touch. It is, also, handy when used as a table centerpiece in a decorative pot placed on a dining or coffee table. Here, the unique foliage can be quite a conversation starter.  Other spaces where it can be incorporated include shelves and bookcases, allowing it to cascade down for a dynamic look. It can also help create a miniature landscape in terrariums for a whimsical touch.  

What's more, Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ can be deployed in seasonal floral arrangements. In this case, it could be paired and combined with other seasonal flowers and foliage in the home. For example, during the winter months, it can be paired with evergreen branches, pinecones, and holly for a festive look. The same can be done during the other seasons.

 

Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Is a Rare Beauty That Oozes the Amethyst Glow
Photo by Commelinaceae Prague

 

Cultivating and Caring for Tradescantia mundula 'Fairy Wings'

Tradescantia mundula 'Fairy Wings' is fast-growing and easy to care for, hence an ideal choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners. Its cultivation and maintenance are relatively straightforward. The plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate, indirect sunlight, thriving in warm, and relatively humid environments quite like those found in floral studios and greenhouse settings.

To care for Tradescantia mundula 'Fairy Wings', provide it with shade—or partial shade—and maintain moderate temperatures. To ensure its longevity and vibrant appearance in floral arrangements, maintain consistent soil moisture, avoiding both over-watering and drought. The plant's sensitivity to excess moisture can lead to issues such as root rot; thus it is important to strike the right balance. Regular misting or the use of a pebble tray can also help to maintain the desired humidity levels.

 

Tradescantia Mundula ‘Fairy Wings’ Brings the 2025 Thursd Floral Trend Color Amethyst Glow to Your Home and Designs
Photo by Commelinaceae Prague

 

With that, and with the right combo of plant and flower accompanying the Tradescantia mundula 'Fairy Wings’, you can guarantee yourself an experience of the aurora borealis right where you are.

Feature image by Tradescantia Hub, header image by @wormintheearth

FAQ

What is Tradescantia mundula ‘Fairy Wings’?

Tradescantia ‘Fairy Wings’ is a compact, low-growing variety known for its delicate, variegated leaves that resemble tiny wings. It’s a cultivar of Tradescantia mundula, loved for its ornamental foliage and ease of care.

Is ‘Fairy Wings’ the same as other Tradescantia species?

Not exactly. While it belongs to the same family, ‘Fairy Wings’ is more compact and slower-growing than popular varieties like Tradescantia zebrina or Tradescantia fluminensis. Its leaf shape and subtle pastel coloring make it stand out.

How much light does it need?

Bright, indirect light is ideal. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but strong midday rays may scorch its leaves. It will lose its variegation in low light.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Tradescantia dislikes soggy soil, so ensure the pot has good drainage. It’s more drought-tolerant than it appears.

Is it safe for pets?

Tradescantia species can cause mild irritation if ingested or if the sap touches the skin, especially in cats and dogs. It’s best kept out of reach of curious pets.

How do I propagate ‘Fairy Wings’?

Very easily! Simply snip a healthy stem and place it in water or moist soil. It roots quickly, making it a favorite among plant collectors.

How do I keep it compact and full?

Regular pinching or trimming encourages branching. Don’t hesitate to prune; it responds well and grows back thicker.

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