Widow’s tears, also known as Tradescantia fluminensis, is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for and adds a touch of greenery to any indoor space. However, if you’ve noticed that your widow’s tears plant is growing sideways instead of upwards, it may be a cause for concern. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why your widow’s tears plant may be growing sideways and what you can do about it.
One of the most common reasons why widow’s tears plants may grow sideways is due to insufficient light. These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and require at least six hours of light per day to grow properly. If your widow’s tears plant is not getting enough light, it may start to grow sideways in an effort to reach towards the light source.
To remedy this issue, try moving your plant to a brighter spot in your home. Place it near a window that gets plenty of indirect sunlight, or invest in a grow light to provide your plant with the necessary light it needs to thrive.
Another reason why your widow’s tears plant may be growing sideways is due to improper watering. These plants prefer to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. If you are overwatering your plant, it may start to grow sideways as a result of root rot.
To avoid this issue, make sure you are allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering your plant again. Use a well-draining soil mix and ensure that your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Widow’s tears plants require regular fertilization in order to grow properly. If your plant is not receiving enough nutrients, it may start to grow sideways in an effort to seek out more resources.
To fix this issue, consider fertilizing your plant every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully to avoid overfertilization, which can cause more harm than good.
Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can also cause your widow’s tears plant to grow sideways. These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing damage and stunting growth.
To get rid of pests, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and treat your plant regularly until the infestation is under control.
If your widow’s tears plant is growing sideways, it may be due to being pot-bound. When a plant outgrows its pot, it will start to grow sideways in an effort to find more space to grow.
To remedy this issue, consider repotting your plant into a larger container with fresh soil. Be sure to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overpotting.
A: Yes, you can trim your widow’s tears plant if it’s growing sideways. This will encourage new growth and help the plant grow more upright.
A: You should water your widow’s tears plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. This will typically be once a week but may vary depending on the humidity and temperature in your home.
A: Yes, you can propagate your widow’s tears plant by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil. This is a great way to create new plants and encourage fuller growth in your existing plants.
In conclusion, if you’ve noticed that your widow’s tears plant is growing sideways, it may be due to insufficient light, improper watering, lack of nutrients, pests, or being pot-bound. By addressing these issues and following proper care guidelines, you can help your plant grow upright and healthy.