Issue #41

Is it Time to Repot Your Tradescantia?

I hope you're having a lovely summer with plenty of sunshine!

Summer is the season when Tradescantias really take off. With longer days, more light, and warmer temperatures, they grow faster than ever and before you know it, that little plant from spring might be overflowing its pot.

But how do you actually know when it’s time to repot? Just because your plant is growing fast doesn’t always mean it needs a bigger pot.

In this newsletter, I’ll go through the signs to look for, and a few tips I’ve learned from repotting plenty of my own Tradescantias over the years.

Tradescantia of the week: Zebrina Evanesce

This is probably my favorite of all the Zebrinas. It’s absolutely stunning with its silvery bands and those striking purple stripes.

One thing I really like about Evanesce is its growth habit. It has slightly thicker stems and a more upright shape compared to many other Zebrinas, which makes it feel sturdier and easier to manage.

Even though it’s a relatively new variety, Evanesce has already become quite popular and it’s easy to see why. Like most Zebrinas, it’s fast-growing and super easy to care for. The only real challenge I’ve had is finding the right amount of light to keep those purple stripes vibrant. Without enough light, the purple can fade. I’ve found that a bright windowsill works really well.

If you come across Evanesce, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s a real showstopper!

When is the right time to repot?

Summer is here, and my Tradescantias are growing like crazy! With all that new growth, it's the perfect time to check if any of your plants are ready for a new pot.

How to Know When It’s Time to Repot

So how do you actually know it’s time?

For me, the biggest sign is simple: I can’t keep up with the watering. If the soil dries out super quickly and I feel like I’m watering every other day, that usually means the plant has outgrown the pot and the roots are filling it up.

A good rule of thumb is this: if the soil dries out in less than a week, the pot is probably too small. If it takes more than two weeks to dry out, the pot might be too big.

Another reason I often repot is when there’s no room left for new propagations. If I’ve been “chopping and propping” and the pot is getting crowded with rooted cuttings, it’s time to move everything to a bigger home.

Some people say it’s time to repot when roots start growing out through the drainage holes. That can be a sign, but not always. Roots naturally grow toward moisture, so if you use a nursery pot inside a cover pot and there’s moisture collecting at the bottom, the roots might just be heading that way, not necessarily because the plant is root-bound.

If it’s been more than a year since you last repotted, it might be time. But not always. As long as you’re fertilizing regularly and the plant is growing well, it can often stay in the same pot for quite a while. That said, after a year or more, most Tradescantias have usually grown so much that a fresh start is a good idea. I often take that chance to cut the plant back completely and restart with fresh soil and new cuttings.

Choosing the Right Pot Size

When it’s time to repot, it can be tempting to go big, but Tradescantias don’t actually like swimming in soil. A pot that’s too large holds on to moisture for too long, which can lead to root rot, especially if the plant doesn’t have the root system to use up all that water.

A good rule is to only go up one size. If your plant is in an 11 cm (4") pot, move it to a 13 cm (5"). If it’s in a 13 cm (5") pot, try a 15 cm (6"). Just a couple of centimeters (around an inch) extra is usually enough to give the roots more space without overwhelming them.

If you’re repotting because the plant is full of cuttings or you want to add more, you can go slightly bigger to make room, but still avoid going too far. It’s better to repot again in later than to risk problems with overwatering now.

I hope this helps you feel more confident in knowing when it’s time to repot. It doesn’t have to be a big project, just a little extra care that can make a big difference for your plant.

And if you're not sure what soil to use, I’ve got you covered! You can click here to check out my simple soil guide with everything you need to know to choose the right mix for your Tradescantias.

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Until next time, happy planting! 🌿

Katja

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Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my code, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep sharing Tradescantia tips and content—thank you!

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