Issue #47

The Truth About Self-Watering Pots and Tradescantias

It’s been a while! Life has gotten in the way lately, but now it’s finally time to get back to writing newsletters again. How are your Tradescantias doing?

Mine, to be honest, haven’t been at their best. With too many plants and too little time, I haven’t been able to give them the attention they deserve. One thing that has truly saved me, though, is self-watering pots! They’ve helped me stretch the time between waterings, which has been a lifesaver.

But self-watering pots can also cause trouble if you don’t know how to use them the right way. So in this newsletter, I’ll go through when and how to use self-watering pots for your Tradescantias, and what to watch out for!

Tradescantia of the Week: Spathacea Cream

Tradescantia Spathacea Cream has only been around for a few years. It begins as a compact, upright rosette with long, narrow leaves, but as it matures, the stems start to trail beautifully over the edges of the pot.

What makes it stand out is its soft cream variegation. It’s still quite rare and mostly found in private collections, so it’s not a plant you'll find in a plant shop.

I’ve never seen or heard of a Cream actually blooming, and mine certainly isn’t in a hurry either!

Cream is one of seven known Spathacea varieties.

You might also see Spathaceas listed under older botanical names, Tradescantia discolor, Rhoeo spathacea, or Rhoeo discolor, but they all refer to the same species.

Self-Watering Pots: Help or Trouble for Your Tradescantias?

They’ve become really popular, and for good reason. Self-watering pots can help extend the time between waterings while keeping your plants happy, but they’re not the perfect solution for every plant or situation.

They work best for Tradescantias with large, well-established root systems that fill most of the pot, then they’ll use up the water before it becomes a problem. Ideally, your plant should empty the reservoir within two weeks. After that, let the soil dry out completely before refilling. If the soil stays constantly wet, root rot is just a matter of time.

That said, self-watering pots aren’t ideal for every Tradescantia. They’re usually not the best option for small plants or cuttings. The roots are simply too small to take up water fast enough, and the constant moisture can easily lead to rot.

For cuttings and younger plants, I still prefer regular pots. That way, the soil dries out faster. Tradescantias are somewhat succulent by nature, they store water in their leaves and stems, so they actually do better when they dry out between waterings. I know many people say to water again when only the top inch of soil is dry, but that’s one of the most common reasons people end up with root rot.

And as for the idea that letting them dry out causes brown leaf tips, I don’t believe that’s true at all. I always let my Tradescantias dry out completely between waterings, and I rarely have any problems with brown tips.

Whether you use self-watering pots or not, the key is to let the soil dry out before watering again, and your plants will thank you for it.

How to Use Self-Watering Pots for Tradescantias

1. Choose the right plant.

Self-watering pots work best for well-established Tradescantias with large root systems. Avoid using them for cuttings or very small plants.

2. Use well-draining soil.

Tradescantias don’t like sitting in wet soil. Use a well-draining premade soil mix or mix in perlite or pumice for better airflow and healthier roots.

3. Place the pot in bright light.

Good light helps your Tradescantia stay healthy and use the water faster. In low light, the soil stays wet longer, increasing the risk of rot.

4. Fill the reservoir — but not too often.

Ideally, your plant should use up the water within two weeks. After that, let the pot dry out completely before refilling.

5. Watch your plant’s signals.

If the leaves or stems turn yellow or mushy, it’s too wet. If they start to look soft or dull, it’s time to refill the reservoir.

Sphagnum Moss

One trick I’ve really come to like is combining self-watering pots with sphagnum moss. The moss keeps the roots evenly moist while also providing aeration, which helps prevent rot. This setup works really well for both small plants and larger ones. Just make sure not to pack the moss too tightly, it needs airflow to work properly.

And the best part? You don’t have to worry about the moss drying out, it can stay moist without any problems for the plant.

Until next time, happy planting! 🌿

Katja

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

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