Pothos and Wandering Jew are popular houseplants, known for their appealing foliage and easy care. Many gardeners combine plants in a single container for space or visual appeal, leading to questions about compatibility.
Are Pothos and Wandering Jew Compatible?
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) can generally be planted together. Their shared environmental preferences make them suitable companions. Both are distinct plants, but their similar needs for light, water, and soil conditions allow them to coexist without significant competition when properly managed. Their resilience and overlapping care needs make them a good match for a single container.
Benefits of Companion Planting
Planting Pothos and Wandering Jew together offers several advantages. Their contrasting foliage creates striking visual appeal; Pothos features heart-shaped leaves in shades of green or variegation, while Wandering Jew boasts vibrant purple, silver, and green striped leaves. Their distinct trailing and sprawling growth habits complement each other, contributing to a fuller, lush appearance. Combining them can also create a localized microenvironment with slightly increased humidity, beneficial for both species.
Key Considerations for Shared Pots
Successful cohabitation hinges on consistent environmental conditions. Both plants thrive in bright, indirect light, crucial for maintaining vibrant colors and variegation. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, while insufficient light causes fading or leggy growth. An east or west-facing window often provides ideal light.
Both plants prefer consistently moist soil but are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering again. Ensure thorough saturation until water drains from the pot, and empty any excess from the saucer.
A well-draining potting mix prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy root development. A standard houseplant mix amended with perlite or coarse sand provides necessary drainage. The pot should be adequately sized for both plants’ root systems and must have drainage holes.
Both plants prefer average household temperatures, generally 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C). They adapt well to average indoor humidity levels. Avoid placement near drafts from windows, air conditioning vents, or heating sources to maintain stable conditions.
Planting Them Together
When preparing to plant Pothos and Wandering Jew in the same container, select a pot large enough to comfortably house both plants, allowing ample space for root growth and future expansion. Ensure the chosen pot has sufficient drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Begin by adding a layer of well-draining potting mix to the bottom of the pot. Carefully remove each plant from its nursery container, gently loosening any compacted roots. Position the Pothos, which tends to grow more upright initially before trailing, towards the center or back of the pot. Arrange the Wandering Jew around the Pothos, considering its sprawling and cascading habit, allowing it to spill attractively over the pot’s edges.
Once both plants are arranged, fill the remaining space with potting mix, ensuring the soil level is consistent with their original planting depth. Gently pat down the soil around the plants to remove large air pockets, but avoid compacting it too firmly. After planting, give the combined pot a thorough initial watering to help settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Ongoing Care and Troubleshooting
Maintaining a combined Pothos and Wandering Jew pot involves adjusting your care routine to suit their shared environment. Monitor soil moisture regularly, watering when the top inch or two feels dry. Adjust frequency based on seasonal changes, light levels, and humidity. It is generally better to slightly under-water than over-water to avoid root issues.
During spring and summer, both plants benefit from a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly. Reduce or cease fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and maintains shape. Pruning also prevents one plant from outcompeting the other, ensuring both remain healthy and vibrant.
Observe your plants for signs of distress like yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting, which can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. While generally pest-resistant, routinely check for common houseplant pests. If one plant struggles while the other thrives, reassess shared conditions or consider separation.