How to water Tradescantia plants

How to water

Feel the soil: it should be a bit moist but not wet when watering your Tradescantia tricolor again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers - if water seeps out it’s still wet. There are then several different ways to water them and you can choose the way that suits you the best.

If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Tradescantia fluminensis loves the perfect balance between wet and dry soil. They don’t like to dry out completely and they don’t want to be overwatered.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

Fill the plant tray with water
Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
Wait for about 10 minutes
Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
Put your plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Even if Tradescantia fluminensis loves water, they don’t like to live in wet soil, so make sure that it is planted in a pot with excellent drainage.
— Planta tip

Veelgestelde vragen

How do I know when to water my Tradescantia?

You should water your Tradescantia when the soil feels a bit moist but not wet. If water seeps out when you squeeze the soil, it indicates the soil is still wet and does not need watering yet.

What are the different ways to water Tradescantia?

You can water your Tradescantia by pouring water over the soil, using bottom watering, or giving it a water bath. You can choose the method that suits you best.

Can I bottom water my Tradescantia?

Yes, you can bottom water your Tradescantia by filling a tray with water and letting the soil absorb it for 10-30 minutes. Remember to also water from the top occasionally to wash away salts and minerals.

Do Tradescantia plants like wet soil?

Tradescantia plants do not like to live in wet soil, even though they love water. It is important to ensure they are planted in a pot with excellent drainage to prevent overwatering and potential rot.

What happens if my Tradescantia sits in water?

If your Tradescantia is left sitting in collected water, it might become overwatered and the roots could rot. Always remove any excess water from the tray after watering.

How to water Tradescantia

Feel the soil to check if it is a bit moist but not wet.

Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

If you have a tray under the pot, make sure to remove all collected water afterwards.

If you watered under a tap, ensure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting the plant back.