How to Care for a Bridal Veil Hanging Plant

Delicate flowers over cascading foliage give bridal veil (Gibasis geniculata) its name. Also known as Tahitian bridal veil, it is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b through 13, although this American native is grown as a house plant in other areas. A type of wandering Jew, the plant produces leaves that are light green on top and purple underneath and tiny white flowers through the spring and summer. Beyond protecting it from direct sunlight, the plant is easy to grow.

Liquid plant food, 5-10-5

Insecticidal soap

Sprayer

Pruning shears

Isopropyl alcohol, 70 percent

Cotton swabs or balls

Hang bridal veil in a spot that gets diffused light. During warm months, this could be on a shaded porch. In the colder months, place the plant in a room that gets bright, indirect light.

Monitor the temperature where the bridal veil is placed. It thrives in 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures will harm it; bring it indoors during these times.

Water bridal veil no more than twice a week during the growing season. Use a container with adequate drainage and water the plant only when the soil is moist just below the surface. The plant does better with soil that is drier, rather than too wet; over-watering will rot the roots.

Feed with a 5-10-5 liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Lightly water the soil before applying fertilizer. Mix 1 part fertilizer to 4 parts water and carefully pour onto the moistened soil; avoid wetting the foliage.

Watch for signs of root rot, such as wilting, blackened stems, yellowing leaves or stunted growth. If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from the container and inspect the roots. Healthy roots will be fibrous and have white tips, while rotted roots will be blackened and decayed. Treat mild rot by improving drainage and water only when needed; plants with severe root rot should be discarded.

Watch for signs of aphids and mites on the bridal veil plant. Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that feed on the leaves of plants. Mites cause leaves to turn yellow and have speckles, or you might see a webbing in the axils of the leaves. Take the plant outside to treat for pests. Use insecticidal soap, mixing 2 1/2 to 5 tablespoons of soap per gallon of water, advises Clemson University. Add the soap mixture to a clean sprayer and spray the entire plant, coating both sides of the leaves. Leave the plant in a shaded spot outside until the leaves dry. Repeat every four to seven days as needed.

Prune to shape the plant and promote more blooms. Use clean gardening shears to remove dead or weak parts and cut off long masses of branches to shape the plant. Clean the shears’ blades before and after use by wiping them with a cotton swab or cotton ball dipped in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.

Bring bridal veil indoors in the fall when the outside temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Prune back the plant and place it where it can receive diffused light. During dormant months, reduce watering to once a week and stop applications of plant food.

Bridal veil roots easily in either soil or water; share cuttings with fellow gardeners.

Wear protective gloves when handling diseased plants.