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So, I have these 2 plants, I believe they're Wandering Jews... They both look quite different, but, I think they might be from the same family...



[img]https://img708.imageshack.us/img708/333/img00044l.jpg[/img]

Plant #1

[img]https://img822.imageshack.us/img822/1904/img00046e.jpg[/img]

It's leaf problem - primarily on the leaves near the top of the plant


[img]https://img28.imageshack.us/img28/5564/img00048z.jpg[/img]

Plant #2

[img]https://img696.imageshack.us/img696/8025/img00047cq.jpg[/img]

[img]https://img18.imageshack.us/img18/958/img00049ha.jpg[/img]

It's issues? Too heavy at the bottom? how can I encourage growth at the top to fill it out?

Thanks, in advance

Your pics aren't showing. I just get blue boxes with question marks. I tried your links, and got a "404, not found" message. You might want to review our Webmaster's information about [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3724]How to Post Pictures & Photos on Forums[/url], and then edit your post with new links. Just a suggestion.

thanks!

Yes, they are Tradescantia, commonly called Wandering Jew, although that name is applied to some other plants, too.

Cutting back the stems will force new growth. Cut them back to just below a leaf node. The new stems will sprout from the node, so choose one that's fairly near the surface of the soil. That will give your plant a nice full top. Keep the stems you cut off and root them to start new plants. It can take awhile for the new stems to sprout from the node of the parent plant, so you might just want to start new plants.

I'm not sure what is causing the problems with the leaves. It could be either over- or underwatering, or it might be that the plants are root bound and need larger pots. They do like consistently moist soil, but won't tolerate being soggy. I couldn't find any information about diseases that attack these plants.

I renew my plant every year or so. Even though I cut some of the stems back every so often to keep it full at the top, it still tends to get kind scraggly looking over time.

I trimmed this plant back today, we'll see if it sprouts....
one branch at the top turned out to be 5-6 near the bottom...
It's looking pretty pathetic now!

[img]https://img651.imageshack.us/img651/5952/img00056q.jpg[/img]

[img]https://img818.imageshack.us/img818/8430/img00057.jpg[/img]

Here's the clippings that I will root into 2 new hanging pots! Hopefully they will take, I've read that they root fairly easily!

[img]https://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4773/img00055z.jpg[/img]

Tradescantia actually roots quite easily. Your new plants should be doing well within a month. Be patient with the old plants sprouting new growth at the top. They're slow in that regard, but it should happen eventually.

Thanks for your help Kisal!

I have brought Plant #1 inside, I noticed that most of the brown spots on the leaves are where the white stripes are.... I'm beginning to wonder if he's getting a bit of a sunburn!

That might be exactly the problem. I have mine hanging in a west-facing window, but the window is shaded by an outdoor awning. The plant never gets direct sunlight until very late in the evening, around 5 P.M.

I have read that they can take direct sunlight, but I've never grown one that way. I have also read that they can be sensitive to rainwater, if it's acidic, and also that the plants should be watered with warm water. I water all my plants with water that has been sitting out in an open container for at least 24 hours, so that would mean it would be at least room temperature, I guess.