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These Tradescantia have been nothing but trouble. Originally got them… | Propagating & Sowing | Planta community

Magpie

These Tradescantia have been nothing but trouble. Originally got them in a too-small plastic pot with drainage, and repotted due to the roots coming out the bottom holes. Put into a slightly larger terra-cotta pot with drainage, but they quickly developed root rot. Removed them and the effected roots, repotted with more drainage, same thing. Had to take cuttings and root them in water, but same thing keeps happening, no matter the soil type, pot, or drainage. Trying LECA w/ Liquid dirt as a last attempt, but I’m not confident on them. Any tips?

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2 comments

  1. Sunny

    Root rot is usually caused by overwatering and/or poor drainage. Plus, tradescantia is fleshy and retains more water than the typical plant. So, I would underwater and use succulent or fast draining soil to help prevent root rot. I’m not familiar with root rot while propagating unless the cutting is too big, a leaf rotted under water creating bacteria and/or the propagation water was not changed when it got dirty. Rinse the cuttings and propagating tools/containers with peroxide. I have never used Leca. Can’t comment. I’ve had success propagating straight into soil using rooting hormone powder and keeping the soil evenly moist (damp feeling) and the pot out of the sun until the roots get about 2 inches. Roots show up in 2 days. Takes about 2 to 3 weeks to get to 2 inches. Tradescantia likes high humidity and very bright light or full sun. Fertilize about twice a year in summer after roots are established. Water when soil is about 1/3 dry to prevent overwatering. Good luck.

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  2. Granola

    I struggled with these too. They were just too high maintenance for me. I decided we weren’t a good fit. 😆 So pretty tho. Good luck!

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