Question
I just bought a Wandering Jew from Wal-Mart and want to get general care ideas for this plant.It is in a 10 inch hanging pot and looks healthy right now. It's just starting to hang over the sides a smidge. I also have a peace lily that I've had for a couple of years, some of the leaves have turned yellow and brown, it blooms white flowers ever so often. I cut the dead leaves out and it looks much better, but I want to know how to better care for it also. I usually water the lily when it starts to look a little droopy. I also have well water with a water softener. Will this harm my plants? Is the salt in this system too much? Thanks!!

Answer
Hi Shawne,

That is quite a large pot for a wandering Jew that is just starting to vine over the sides. The more light it gets, the better it will do, so hang or place it in your sunniest window and be sure the window is uncovered throughout the day. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out in between thorough waterings. Do not repot it and fertilize it very sparingly. The keys to keeping it full are good light and regular pruning.

It seems that your peace lily is doing fine. Occasional discolored leaves are quite normal. Peace lilies like bright light, but do need protection from direct rays of the sun. It is best to water it just before or just as it starts to wilt a bit. Removing discolored leaves and dead flowers is a good idea. Monthly fertilizer at half-strength will help promote flowers. So will keeping it potbound.

Water softening agents are not good for plants. The minerals in them gradually build up to toxic levels in the soil. Hard well water isn't good either. I suggest that you use filtered, distilled, or rainwater instead. Peace lilies are particularly susceptible to excess mineral content.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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