Jewelweed

Jewelweed prefers consistently moist soil; though it should never be soggy. During hot summer months, it is best to water the Jewelweed daily. Outdoor plants may require more frequent watering than one's indoor plants. During the winter months, the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly. If there is a moderate amount of rainfall where the plant is located then you can likely give the plant a break from manual watering.

Jewelweed can grow in both full sun and full shade. Though full sun will result in larger flowers, be aware that the plant needs more water when grown in sunny areas. Bright shade or morning sun and afternoon shade are the preferred exposures for this plant.

Jewelweed will grow best in temperatures that range from 55 to 75°F (13 to 24°C). It can handle cooler temperatures, but may die if exposed to temperatures below freezing for too long. It can handle temperatures up to 85°F (29°C) for short periods of time.

In its native range, Jewelweed thrives in high humidity levels. This is easily attained in outdoor settings since humid conditions are typically found near bodies of water. Indoors, Jewelweed can tolerate normal household humidity levels well. You may want to mist the foliage once a day in hot weather to create optimal humidity around the plant.

For Jewelweed, it is important to find the ideal soil mix for the plant. A good potting soil mix for Jewelweed should have high drainage and be rich in organic matter. A good soilless mix is ideal for this plant as it contains high amounts of organic matter while still allowing for enough air flow and drainage. Compost also makes for a great potting soil amendment.

Jewelweed generally does not need to be fertilized, however, if you do decide to fertilize then it is best to do so in early spring with an organic, balanced fertilizer. Feed it once or twice during the growing season, but stop by the end of summer so that the plant can start to slow down for the winter season. Do not over-fertilize as this can lead to foliage burn.

Jewelweed is not the most resistant plant to pest and diseases. The most common pests that may affect it are aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, scale, and spider mites. Be sure to check your plant regularly for signs of insects and take prompt action to remove them with a specialized insecticide. Natural predators of the pests such as ladybugs or praying mantis can be used to help get rid of the pests. It is also important to regularly prune away any damaged or suffering branches and leaves to ensure that the plant remains healthy.

Jewelweed is a plant that does not need frequent repotting. It can be repotted about once every two years or so. When you repot the plant, you should choose a pot that is larger than the current one and fill it with a light and airy potting substrate. Generally, a potting soil that contains more organic matter than soil-based mix is ideal.

Jewelweed can handle trimming without any great issue, however, it does not require regular pruning. Generally, it is preferable to prune away the older blooms, or any old branches near the soil. It is better to err on the side of caution when pruning, since Jewelweed is not as hardy as some other plants.

Mulching is a great way to keep the plants fresh and hydrated. A thin layer of mulch should be added to the top of the soil in order to help decrease evaporation and to regulate the temperature of the soil. Be sure to use mulch that is organic and free of chemical damage.

Jewelweed is very easy to propagate from cuttings. Take severed stems that are 4-6 inches long and dust the cut end with rooting powder. Place the cuttings in a glass or jar filled with an inch of water. Roots will form in two to four weeks and you can then move them to individual pots with soil. The new plants will then need to be acclimated to their new environment. If you prefer seed propagation, then it is best to direct sow them in the spring. Soak the seeds in water overnight and then sow shallowly in a well-drained moist soil.

Jewelweed needs some form of support in order to grow properly. You can train the plant to climb on a trellis, fence, or wall. You can even use strings or twine to tie it up. Be sure to check periodically to make sure the supports are secure.

During the winter months, Jewelweed will start to die back as temperatures drop. If the plant is exposed to freezing temperatures, it will likely die back to the ground. In the spring, it will start to regrow from the underground rhizomes.

Jewelweed is not known to be toxic to both humans and pets, however, it may cause a mild skin irritation in contact with the stems or leaves.