---
title: "Hello, I have a total newb question if that’s ok, I have just started…"
description: "Hello, I have a total newb question if that’s ok, I have just started gardening after being super afraid for the past 40 years and have zero idea what I am…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/5xIXxj8pFzly7lVgPNmZ0e"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Leilani"
published: "2026-05-23T02:08:35.864559Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/gNm8QTBbDJITEe7zwDMaU-TQT-IwOgTJimF3ZSH8-Mo/-uZbpLPZTo-6tCit1ydVyA.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hello, I have a total newb question if that’s ok, I have just started…

_Posted by Leilani on 2026-05-23_

Hello, I have a total newb question if that’s ok, I have just started gardening after being super afraid for the past 40 years and have zero idea what I am doing…

Having said that I brought a beautiful Neon Robusta home and repotted her in a self watering terracotta pot. Again I know nothing except what I have researched and the two apps I have tell me, but for some reason I think it’s not the right thing for her. Could someone let me know if she needs something different? Thanks in advance. Lil

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/gNm8QTBbDJITEe7zwDMaU-TQT-IwOgTJimF3ZSH8-Mo/-uZbpLPZTo-6tCit1ydVyA.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### abitofbrit commented on 2026-05-23

Beautiful syngo! 😍 Terracotta is actually perfect for them, especially if you’re an over-waterer! They wick excess water and can help prevent root rot.

But the soil mix is just as important as… if not more important than… the pot its in. Mine are in a chunky mix of potting soil + perlite + small/medium orchid bark pieces. They LOVE consistently moist soil, and those chunks provide proper drainage and airflow so the roots aren’t sitting in waterlogged soil.

#### jlsKenzy replied on 2026-05-23

I agree with abitofbrit they love consistently moist soil, but need airflow/drainage. I love syngoniums and have mine setup in various ways...chunky soil or in a self-watering pot and even a few semi-hydro leca set-ups. They are not too picky/dramatic. I don't have a neon robusta, your's look gorgeous btw, but another tricky part maybe lighting, since it's lacking "green", you'll want to give it enough to maintain the pink, but not too much to harm the leaves either.

#### abitofbrit replied on 2026-05-23

Yes!! Lighting is def important too!

#### Leilani replied on 2026-05-23

Could I use grow lights? My house isn’t super sunny, so I knew I would need to have those available. Would she do well with one? If so any certain type?

### Leilani commented on 2026-05-23

Oh my goodness!! Thank you so much. I just want to give her the best chance since I am not confident yet. Thank you again. I appreciate it!!☺️

#### abitofbrit replied on 2026-05-23

You’re very welcome! ☺️ And syngoniums are super forgiving. You picked a great plant to learn and grow (pun intended 🤪) with!

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