The wandering Jew is not a single plant but this name refers to many plants in the genus Zebrina and Tradescantia. It is considered invasive when grown outdoors but it also grows perfectly indoors as well. In this article, we will explain how to care for your Wandering Jew Plant in detail.
Best Wandering Jew Plant Care Tips For Beginners
These plants have green and heart-shaped leaves with purple stripes. The leaves can be variegated or solid and leaves’ strips depend on the variety of the plants.
Caring for these plants is not that difficult. All you need to provide a good amount of water, light, prune regularly. Let’s talk about wandering jew plant care in detail…
Soil
Many growers use a standard houseplant potting mix for these plants. However, it’s good to add more organic matter into the soil for healthier plants. The preparation of standard soil is not that difficult. All you need to take perlite or coarse sand, garden soil, peat or humus, a light dusting of lime, and organic compost.
Take the equal quantity of each item and mix them properly. And, make sure that the soil has a good draining ability. Otherwise, it will affect the proper growth of wandering jew plants.
Light
These houseplants thrive well in bright but indirect sunlight. Therefore, you should choose a place where these plants don’t get direct sunlight. If you provide them the bright light, they will produce more flowers.
Further, if you fail to provide them enough bright light, the foliage will begin to fade instead of flourishing.
Water
Proper watering is the most essential part of wandering jew plant care. These plants don’t require excessive watering. Similarly, you shouldn’t let the soil dry too long as well.
When the soil is about to dry, slightly water the plants. However, keep in mind that the pot drains well.
Fertilizer
If you add a good amount of organic material to the soil, adding fertilizers is not necessary. However, if your plants are not growing properly, you can add a water-soluble fertilizer twice a month. Before adding the fertilizer, dilute that down to 50% strength for avoiding nutrient burn on foliage.
Another good alternative option is to add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil. It would be sufficient if you add it once a year.
Pruning
If you want to maintain a healthy appearance of your plants, you need to prune them when needed. Because they have the ability to get leggy so you can pinch off their stem tips. Two shots will grow right below the pinched area that will make your plant bushier.
Preventing Wandering Jew from Pests and Diseases
Spider mites are the most common types of pests you will be dealing with after growing these plants. The pests like dry and warm areas. Therefore, keep humidity high to counter these pests. If this solution doesn’t work, you can use a systemic insecticide.
Overwatering can be a cause of many diseases for houseplants including wandering jew. For example, root rot is the most common problem with these plants. To prevent these diseases, you shouldn’t water the plant frequently and add some coarse sand or perlite.
Wrapping Up
Wandering jew is hardy and fast-growing plants that require less care than many other houseplants. All you need to choose a suitable place with indirect sunlight and prepare the soil well before planting. After growing the plants, wandering jew plant care require less frequent watering and fertilizer for proper growth!