Job's tears

Job's Tears prefers evenly moist soil. You should water your plant regularly and deeply to encourage good growth. As with most houseplants, allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before you water. Stick your finger into the soil to check the moisture, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Job's Tears should be kept in bright, indirect lighting. Low light tends to cause thinning of the foliage. If you have a south or east-facing window, it will be the perfect spot for your Job's Tears. If the lighting from your window is very bright, you may want to consider using sheer curtains or blinds to filter some of the light. The plant has been known to tolerate the light from a north-facing window, but growth may be slower.

Job's Tears can withstand a wide range of temperatures, however, cooler temperatures of between 70-80°F (21-27°C) are preferred during the day. At night, temperatures can go as low as 55-65°F (13-18°C). Too much heat or cold can cause the plant to go dormant.

Job's Tears likes high humidity, so try to give your plant as much humidity as possible. Place it in bathrooms, kitchens, or near other plants to provide some extra humidity. If the air in your home is very dry, mist the leaves with a plant mister a few times a week. You can also use a humidifier.

Job's Tears prefer well-draining, light, and loose potting mix. Consider a blend of potting soil, sand, and peat moss. Make sure to provide your plant with a deep potting container, as this will allow for better drainage.

Fertilization is not necessary, but it will help your Job's Tears thrive and grow faster. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer and apply it once a month during spring and summer. Do not fertilizer during colder months, as the plant will not need it during this time.

Job's Tears can be susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs. If you notice any of these pests, spray your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Be sure to spray the bottom and top of the leaves and be careful not to get any of the solution in the soil, as this could damage your plant. Repeat treatments as needed to get rid of the pests.

This houseplant doesn't necessarily need to be repotted very often, as it can often stay in the same pot for up to two years. If you notice the roots starting to crowd the pot, or if the pot is looking too full, it's time to repot. Take care when repotting, as Job's Tears has very brittle roots and can be easily damaged.

Pruning is not necessary for this houseplant, as it grows slowly and can be shaped simply by moving it around to get the desired look. Cut back any dead or leggy leaves to prevent infection and promote healthy growth.

Mulching is not necessary for Job's Tears, but can be useful in keeping the soil moisture consistent. Mulching also discourages the growth of weeds and prevents the soil from becoming compacted. Consider using a layer of gravel, pebbles, or bark chips.

Job's Tears can be propagated easily by division or seed. To divide, dig a hole and carefully lift the plant out from the ground. Separate the clump into sections, making sure each section has several healthy roots. Place each clump in its own pot and water them well. To propagate Job's Tears from seed, sow seeds directly into the soil and cover them with a light layer of soil. Keep the soil evenly moist and in a warm location until germination occurs.

Job's Tears will benefit from some kind of support in order to help it grow upright. A stake or trellis should be sufficient. Make sure to securely affix it to the pot to prevent the plant from falling over.

Job's Tears does not really need a rest period, however, during periods of cooler weather, the plant will go dormant. During this period, the growth will be slow, and the foliage may turn yellow or brown. This is a natural part of the plant's biology, and will not harm your Job's Tears.

Job's Tears is not toxic to pets, so it's safe to keep around animals. However, it is always best to keep an eye on them in case they decide to nibble on the leaves.