---
title: "I truly don’t know what to do with this plant. Anytime I put it in…"
description: "I truly don’t know what to do with this plant. Anytime I put it in soil, it suffers and it thrives in water but it looks like the roots are searching for soil.…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/fZoLZOfSdCcIscxeJe9NAi"
community: "Propagating & Sowing"
author: "Cait"
published: "2025-04-25T17:58:35.005135Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0sGvMCgcG9m0Tbe_DBjRBGj7xLTV2-rJNcMG15BsFmQ/jzQ2NbrFRhSHQK88H2dlUg.webp?size=large"
---

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# I truly don’t know what to do with this plant. Anytime I put it in…

_Posted by Cait on 2025-04-25_

I truly don’t know what to do with this plant. Anytime I put it in soil, it suffers and it thrives in water but it looks like the roots are searching for soil. Any advice is appreciated

![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0sGvMCgcG9m0Tbe_DBjRBGj7xLTV2-rJNcMG15BsFmQ/jzQ2NbrFRhSHQK88H2dlUg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0sGvMCgcG9m0Tbe_DBjRBGj7xLTV2-rJNcMG15BsFmQ/0am51ztCSA-k1MJJawe-AA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0sGvMCgcG9m0Tbe_DBjRBGj7xLTV2-rJNcMG15BsFmQ/pt7smGrvT-ySDbuXEME8Fw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0sGvMCgcG9m0Tbe_DBjRBGj7xLTV2-rJNcMG15BsFmQ/krzy3Fy3QZ-Eff0n0gifDA.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Sunny commented on 2025-04-25

Both pots look like they have too much water. The first bowl lacked drainage, I assume, causing root rot. The terracotta pot is too large for that size cutting. Too much soil and water around the roots. The roots can’t dry out the soil before it rots.

I recommend rinsing the roots in hydrogen peroxide to disinfect. Use a well draining soil with lots of perlite. Use a small 2-3” pot. Water when the soil in the small pot is dry. Place in bright indirect sunlight for at least 8 hours or within 1 foot from a grow light. Fertilize every two weeks with diluted fertilizer. 🪴🍀

#### Cait replied on 2025-04-28

Thank you for the advice!

### Matilda commented on 2025-04-25

I put my tradescantia props straight into one of my large plant’s pot- currently in my bird of paradise, I find it helps get them established

### Bb commented on 2025-04-26

Hi there, I quite like growing these hydroponically. I now just grow in water as well but add hydroponic fertiliser to the water to ensure the roots still get nutrients 🌿🌿

#### Cait replied on 2025-04-28

Any particular hydroponic fertilizer you prefer?

#### Bb replied on 2025-04-28

I use GT Foliage Focus for rooted plants and GT Clonex Clone Solution for cuttings and baby plants

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