A tropical plant native to Mexico, the wandering jew is known for its unique appearance. It is also well-known as the inch plant, as it grows quickly. This plant has several names because of its ability to flourish and produce vibrant leaves.
The scientific name for the wandering jew plant is “Tradescantia.” It was given this name because, if left alone, it grows quickly, spreads out, and goes to the ends of the earth.
Because of its creeping growth habit and rapid root-throwing capacity, it is capable of forming incredibly thick, broad mats. The wandering jew is a versatile plant that may be found in both hanging baskets and the ground.
The strikingly striped purple foliage will brighten up your yard right away. These quick-growing plants need little attention and will look lovely in any sunny spot in your home.
For a good reason, these plants are permanent favorites in backyard gardens everywhere. But unfortunately, straight-up growth of the wandering jew has been a source of complaint for some For a good reason, these plants are permanent favorites in backyard gardens everywhere.
But unfortunately, straight-up growth of the wandering jew has been a source of complaint for some.
How Does Wandering Jew Grow?
Under ideal conditions, these plants can spread by as much as an inch per week, earning them the nickname “inch plant.” If you begin with a sprout or cutting instead of a seed, you can have a fully developed plant in as little as six months.
As soon as the stems reach six to eight inches in height, it would be best if you trim off at least a quarter of them. Using the cuttings, the plant can be grown indefinitely.
Unfortunately, wandering Jew plants don’t mature well and usually look lanky, barren, and messy after two or three years. If your plant is starting to look bad, it might start growing straight up, which is a concerning thing.
If you’ve been asking, “Why is my wandering jew growing straight up?” as they have, then you’ve come to the perfect place. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons!
Wandering Jew Growing Straight Up – Why Is It Happening?
1. Poor Lightening
Poor or insufficient lighting is probably to blame when a wandering jew starts growing up straight. As is the case with many low-light plants, the wandering jew’s growth is weak, skinny, and gangly when grown in dim conditions.
Your plant needs a lot of bright light to carry out photosynthesis effectively. In other words, it converts sunlight into the carbohydrates and energy required for growth.
Poor lighting is unquestionably a significant contributor to the tall, leggy growth of the wandering Jew. Even though you’ll likely be able to fix the problem, you should bear in mind that these plants require sunshine even if it’s freezing outside.
Firstly, make sure your plant is in a spot where it can get at least the minimum amount of light it needs. If you’re having trouble finding one down, a growth light should do the trick in the meanwhile.
However, the question of how much light the plant needs persist.
If you’re not familiar with gardening, you could assume that this implies the plant has to be placed in direct sunlight. However, it is not quite as simple as it seems at first. What you need to do is move your plant somewhere that receives bright indirect light but not direct sunlight.
Second, if your plant is growing, it’s probably because you’ve moved its location where its leaves will receive indirect light from multiple directions. Once the wandering plant has started to grow again, rotate it so that a different side of it gets more light.
The use of blinds in well-lit locations makes this an easy task to accomplish. Place your purple plant in direct sunlight for optimal growth. A purple plant will fare better in direct sunlight, whereas other species may quickly burn.
Place your plant nearby to a West or east-facing window so that it can benefit from early morning light and indirect sunlight throughout the day. Place your plant in a shady location that will protect it from the scorching afternoon sun if you wish to grow it outside.
Your wandering Jew will immediately enter survival mode if there is no light available. Thus, proper lighting should be provided to your wandering jew plant.
2. Watering Issues
The lack of adequate water may also contribute to the plant’s upright growth. Usually, this occurs in the colder months. As the weather becomes cold, individuals reduce their watering of the plant, which hinders its growth.
Conversely, drowning the plant is a real possibility if you choose to overwater it. Excessive watering might result in root damage if you’re not careful. It’s crucial to find a balance in deciding when to water these plants.
Additionally, you should know the significance of temperature. Your plants’ watering demands will fluctuate with the seasons and the weather, so you’ll have to learn to adapt your routine over time.
You’ll have to keep an eye on the weather in order to know when to water the plants. If the top two inches of wandering jew soil are dry, it’s time to give the plant a drink.
Keep in mind that your wandering jew plant does best in a somewhat warmer but not sweltering setting. The ideal temperature range is between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius (65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit). It needs to be stored in a cool, dry place, apart from any radiators, heating pads, or other heat sources.
3. Humidity
Humidity is one of the main reasons why wandering Jews get leggy. Unexpectedly, these problems also begin to appear during the dry winter months. If you’re an indoor gardener, you’ll have even more trouble than someone who grows them outside.
In contrast to the previous two explanations, low humidity might cause the plant’s leaves to turn brown.
To solve this problem, you should consider moving your plant. Places like the kitchen or the bathroom are ideal because they naturally have higher humidity levels.
However, if you are prepared to pay a little money, you may get a humidifier that should allow you to put your plant anywhere you like. However, a more affordable option is available as well.
Place the tray with water and pebbles under the plant pot. The plant won’t be able to take in any water, but it will be protected from becoming leggy.
The Bottom Line
The Wandering Jew is a perennial plant that has gained widespread popularity around the world. If it starts growing straight, it becomes a source of concern for its owners. If it starts growing straight, it becomes a source of problem for its owners.
Ensure that you provide careful consideration to the lighting, watering, and humidity of your Jew Wandering plant life.
In this manner, your Wandering Jew can finally feel at home in your yard and enjoy the proper floorings you provide. This way, you will have a well-floored Wandering Jew as a buddy in your yard!