Wandering Jew plant, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a beautiful and popular indoor plant. It is easy to care for and can thrive in different growing conditions. One of the most important aspects of taking care of Wandering Jew plant is watering. Overwatering or underwatering can harm the plant, so it is essential to know when it needs watering. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if Wandering Jew plant needs watering.
Wandering Jew plants are native to the tropics and require consistent moisture to thrive. When they don’t get enough water, they show several signs that indicate they need watering. Here are some of the signs of underwatering:
The first sign that your Wandering Jew plant needs watering is dry soil. You can check the moisture level of the soil by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, then it’s time to water the plant.
Another indication of underwatering is drooping leaves. When a Wandering Jew plant doesn’t get enough water, its leaves become limp and droopy. The plant tries to conserve water by reducing transpiration, which causes the leaves to wilt.
Yellowing leaves are another sign of underwatering. When a Wandering Jew plant doesn’t get enough water, its leaves turn yellow and eventually fall off.
Underwatered Wandering Jew plants also exhibit stunted growth. The lack of water hinders their ability to absorb nutrients from the soil, which results in slower growth.
While underwatering is harmful to Wandering Jew plants, overwatering can be just as damaging. Overwatered plants are more prone to diseases and root rot. Here are some signs of overwatering:
The first sign of overwatering is wet soil. If the soil feels soggy and waterlogged, then you have overwatered the plant.
Ironically, overwatered Wandering Jew plants also exhibit wilted leaves. This is because the roots are suffocating in water, which hinders their ability to absorb oxygen and nutrients. The plant tries to compensate by reducing transpiration, which causes the leaves to wilt.
Just like underwatering, overwatering can also cause yellowing leaves. This is because waterlogged soil deprives the roots of oxygen, which leads to root rot and eventually death.
The frequency of watering Wandering Jew plant depends on several factors such as humidity, temperature, light intensity, and pot size. Generally, it’s best to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. However, if you live in a humid climate or have the plant in a location with low light intensity, you may need to water it more frequently. On the other hand, if you live in a dry climate or have the plant in a location with high light intensity, you may need to water it less frequently.
Now that you know how often to water your Wandering Jew plant let’s discuss how to do it correctly. Here are some tips for watering your plant:
A: Yes, misting your Wandering Jew plant can help increase humidity and prevent spider mites. However, misting alone is not enough to provide the plant with enough water. You still need to water it regularly.
A: Yes, you can use tap water. However, if your tap water is hard or has a high concentration of minerals, you may want to consider using distilled water or rainwater instead.
A: Yes, you can fertilize your Wandering Jew plant. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package. Fertilize once a month during the growing season and stop fertilizing during the winter months.
In conclusion, watering is an essential aspect of taking care of Wandering Jew plant. By knowing the signs of underwatering and overwatering, you can ensure that your plant stays healthy and thrives. Remember to water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry and avoid overwatering or underwatering. With proper care, your Wandering Jew plant will reward you with its beautiful foliage and easy-going nature.