The new leaves on my wandering Jew are very shiny and waxy. The older leaves are fading. I see that fading leaves could indicate the plant needs more light but I can’t find any info on the shiny, waxy leaves.
That is just how many leaves look as they are coming out. Then, they fade to dull, or remain shiny depending on the type of plant. In this case, they should go dull, or grow small hairs.
If you can include a photo, then I will be able to help you a little better. It will give me an idea of what is going on, exactly.
I have a 45yr old rose bush in a spot by it's self..to fill in the empty space can I plant purple Jew?
You are in growing zone 8b which is just outside the growing zone for Wandering Jew.
You could try it, but it may have some die back.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-outdoors.htm
About twenty years ago I went into my nearest garden centre and said I was looking for a plant which would very quickly cover the fence at the bottom of my garden. I was given a plant and told its nickname was Wandering Jew. It had white flowers similar in shape to lilac blossoms but a lot smaller. Well it did grow VERY fast and covered the fence in no time. I needed to cut it back every few weeks as it would send out tentacles which would wrap themselves around whatever was growing, similar to Clematis. It got to be a nightmare over twenty years as I am disabled and could no longer give it the care it needed so I got someone to get rid of it and dig up the root which by now was the size of a tree trunk! The problem is, even just a small branch will re-root and start growing again. It has pretty much killed my Forsythia which was against the fence also. Can you please help me to get rid of it for good? And also tell me if you know what exactly it is called PLEASE. I am at my wits end! Kindest regards Carole Ayre.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/get-rid-of-wandering-jew.htm
My sister gave me this plant from her green house, but she couldn't remember what it is, the cup had pea written on it. I need to know if it is safe around cats. So what is it and is it safe if the cats try and chomp.
It is hard to tell from the photo, as it is somewhat blurry and a little dark. but it looks like a type of Tradescantia. They come in many colors, shapes, and styles ranging from short fat leaves to long slender leaves that are purple, green, white, or a combination of these colors.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm
It is on a covered porch but the porch is open and ground level, will get some snow? ice?
No, it won't survive winter outside. You can bring it indoors when temperatures get close to 50 degrees F outside in the fall.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-plants.htm
If I touch the leaves on my wandering Jew anything less than delicate care, they break off. What can I do to strengthen the plant? Thanks!
They are quite brittle to begin with, and lack of light can make them more so. Try giving them a little more light, and if that doesn't work check for silica deficiency.
Potassium silicate should be used sparingly for correction, since it can lock out Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc.
Since it is alkaline, it can also lock out nitrogen. Start at 1/4 strength, and work your way up every two or three weeks until you find the amount that they need. Then stop completely, as it will remain in the soil for a while.
Here is an article that will offer more information on the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-plants.htm
purple wandering jew has new leaves growing from stem that is propagating in water. It is not getting roots. My other one has 1 single root and growing new leaves. Also, what do I do to get them to root so I can plant in soil?
They will, actually, root better with alternating wet and dry periods in soil.
Being highly invasive and semi-succulent, they hold and store water quite well. Rooting them in water will take just a little longer than rooting in soil and watering as you would a mature specimen, though they will still root in water. You just have to raise the temperature of the water some by setting it in sunlight.
This article will help you to root these cuttings: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-plants.htm