---
title: "Unpopular opinion: I hate tradescantia. Are they pretty at first? Of…"
description: "Unpopular opinion: I hate tradescantia. Are they pretty at first? Of course. But inevitably, they get scraggly, and spotted, and need to be reset. Doing that…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/HrYRXc0hhwnWJvF5svLxZU"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Mads"
published: "2026-05-03T18:34:15.197663Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/F3A6oDxB5AFrwMY-8AmGdM9PkD4LkZ4epCTa5XS85C4/X9oQFMg2SSGFJgB0KdDWlQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# Unpopular opinion: I hate tradescantia. Are they pretty at first? Of…

_Posted by Mads on 2026-05-03_

Unpopular opinion: I hate tradescantia.

Are they pretty at first? Of course. But inevitably, they get scraggly, and spotted, and need to be reset.

Doing that today. The only reason I bother with this plant is because it was a gift. I always keep my gift plants. 💝

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/F3A6oDxB5AFrwMY-8AmGdM9PkD4LkZ4epCTa5XS85C4/X9oQFMg2SSGFJgB0KdDWlQ.webp?size=large)

## 11 comments

### Auxsman commented on 2026-05-03

I feel the same way about them, right now mine is thriving through neglect, but I’m waiting for this stage😂

### 1kwolves commented on 2026-05-03

i also hate trandescantia!! the best way to keep it healthy is to have it trail and not hang, but that’s such a hard thing to do indoors 😭

### LadyTenorJD commented on 2026-05-03

I am about over them also! My last one is hanging by a thread outside. Im about ready to toss it!

### abitofbrit commented on 2026-05-04

Yes! I was just complaining about them the other day. They’re also SO messy! I feel like I’m cleaning up dead dayflower petals daily. 😒

#### Mads replied on 2026-05-04

Good point! Crispy bits everywhere!

#### abitofbrit replied on 2026-05-04

It’s the worst! Only tradescantia I like is my baby bunny bellies. Leaves don’t crisp up like the zebrinas. However, it grows REALLY fast. I’ve already made two huge plants from my original’s cuttings! Lol

### 9s commented on 2026-05-04

hi friend!

I’ve had great success with these in coco coir and a LOT of perlite! Never had luck with them in normal potting soil because they stay wet too long but maybe give that a shot?

#### 9s replied on 2026-05-04

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HikA2sjMhhAa2KieI2LCNEE757XFAGUmEL0WnSd8phM/RM8nJluwQLSS-LiEdt82NQ.webp?size=large)

### Maria commented on 2026-05-04

I had similar problem with the plant until I find out that I water the plant wrong way. I just start my new journey with below idea so far it works after so many failures. I hope this will help you.  
The plant don’t like touching wet soil as well as mist so do not follow mist advice from app. Please try to water the plant from the bottom. Put water into bowl large enough so you can put plant pot in. Leave plant pot in a bawl with water for about 15min and watering is done.  
Good luck

### Crazy plant lady commented on 2026-05-04

I have an Albo that just grows in water if that helps at all

### Yotto commented on 2026-05-06

Stop thinking you hate it and start saying you love it. Say it to his face, you’ll start to believe it and so will the plant. Those things absorb energy!!!

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