How Often Should You Water Wandering Jew Plant?
Wandering Jew plants, also known as Tradescantia, are popular houseplants loved for their beautiful foliage and low maintenance needs. However, to keep them healthy and thriving, it is important to know how often to water them. In this article, we will discuss the ideal watering frequency for Wandering Jew plants.
Factors Affecting Watering Frequency
Before discussing the watering frequency, it is important to understand the factors affecting it. Here are some of the factors:
Climate: The climate plays a crucial role in determining the watering frequency of Wandering Jew plants. If you live in a hot and dry climate, the plant will require more frequent watering than if you live in a cool and humid climate.
Type of Soil: The type of soil in which the plant is growing also affects the watering frequency. If the soil is well-draining, it will require more frequent watering than if the soil is dense and heavy.
Size of Pot: The size of the pot in which the plant is growing also affects the watering frequency. The smaller the pot, the more frequently you will have to water the plant.
Age and Size of Plant: The age and size of the Wandering Jew plant also impact the watering needs. Young and small plants require less water than mature and large plants.
How Often Should You Water Wandering Jew Plant?
Now that you know the factors affecting watering frequency, let's discuss how often you should water your Wandering Jew plant. Ideally, you should water your plant once a week. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
If you live in a hot and dry climate, you may need to water your plant twice a week, while if you live in a cool and humid climate, once every two weeks may be enough. Similarly, if the soil is well-draining, you might need to water more frequently than if the soil is heavy and dense.
It is important to note that overwatering can be damaging to Wandering Jew plants. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases, which can lead to the death of the plant. Therefore, it is better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
How to Water Wandering Jew Plant?
Now that you know how often to water your plant, it is essential to know how to water it correctly. Here are some tips:
Water at the Base: When watering your Wandering Jew plant, avoid getting water on the leaves. Watering at the base of the plant will prevent water from accumulating on the leaves and causing fungal diseases.
Water Thoroughly: When watering, make sure to water thoroughly. Water should flow out of the drainage holes of the pot to ensure proper drainage and prevent overwatering.
Use Filtered Water: Wandering Jew plants are sensitive to fluoride and other chemicals found in tap water. Therefore, it is best to water the plant using filtered water. Alternatively, you can let tap water sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wandering Jew plants are easy to care for, and watering is no exception. Ideally, you should water your plant once a week, but it can vary depending on the climate, soil, size of the pot, and the plant's age and size. Always remember to water at the base of the plant, water thoroughly, and use filtered water to keep your Wandering Jew plant healthy and thriving.