The U. S. Department of Agriculture has made a map of the U. S. divided into zones based on average minimum temperature. Plants are assigned a zone or several zones in which they thrive. [1] X Research source For example, the Wandering Jew plant grows best in zones 9-11. According to the U. S. D. A. map, much of the South and a narrow strip of the West Coast make up these zones. Refer to this map to see if your area’s temperatures are warm enough to support a Wandering Jew plant, if you’re planning on keeping it outside. If you do not live in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, keep in mind that you may not be able to keep your plant outside during the winter. You may want to grow it inside instead.
If you use a hanging basket, remember to turn it daily so it gets equal amounts of sunlight. Be sure to choose a pot that’s not too heavy, especially if you plan on hanging it. You might want to pick a plastic pot instead of a ceramic one for this reason. A lighter pot will also make it easier to move inside in case of frost.
You can purchase a Wandering Jew plant at many gardening or home improvement centers. Cuttings are also a good way to start your own plant. You’ll need to get a hold of a few cuttings from an already established Wandering Jew plant. You’ll need to learn how to Grow Cuttings from Established Plants.
An eastern facing windowsill is a good spot for Wandering Jew plants. They’ll receive bright indirect light throughout the day, but watch to make sure the space doesn’t become too hot in the afternoon. If so, move the pot a few feet away or use a curtain to filter the light. [2] X Research source If the plant primarily remains outside, find a spot that receives indirect sunlight. This could be on a porch that gets morning sun for several hours. Just make sure that it’s not sitting in direct sunlight without any shade for most of the day.
If you’ve set your pot on a saucer, be sure to empty the saucer when it fills. Make sure not to water straight into the crown of the plant or it may rot. [3] X Research source You can water the plant less during the winter months, when its growth slows. [4] X Research source Simply let it remain a little dry for a bit longer before watering. Some people find it convenient to put self-watering Aqua Globes in their plant pots; however, these glass globes require cleaning and regular filling. You’ll still need to monitor your plant’s moisture if you choose to use them.
Liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer is considered to be an all-purpose fertilizer made up of ten percent nitrogen, ten percent phosphorous, and ten percent potassium. [5] X Research source Read the container’s instructions carefully, as some liquid fertilizers may actually be powders requiring you to mix in water. Fertilizing is only necessary during the heaviest growing season, from spring to early fall.
The best time to prune is during the spring and summer months, when the plant is putting on the most growth. After you’ve pruned, give the plant a chance to put on new shoots and fill in. If you find your plant is too dense and bushy, you’ll need to prune around the base so that the plant can get adequate circulation and sunlight.
Brown leaves can also be a sign that your plant is getting too much sunlight. In this case, make sure your plant is not directly in the sun by moving the pot or placing a filter, such as a curtain, in between the plant and the window. Try to use distilled or bottled water when misting the leaves for the best results.
