Issue #17

What's Happening to My Tradescantia? Yellow Leaves, Brown Spots, and Other Problems

Have you been noticing yellow leaves, brown spots, or other issues with your Tradescantias? Don’t worry, you're not alone! Tradescantias are usually pretty easy-going, but they can still encounter problems that affect their appearance and health.

In this newsletter, we’re going to explore some of the most common leaf issues in Tradescantias, like yellowing leaves, brown spots, and other problems. You’ll learn how to spot these problems, understand what’s causing them, and find the best solutions to get your plants back to looking their best.

Let’s get started and figure out how to keep your Tradescantias happy and healthy!

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White Spots on the Leaves

This is a common issue that can be caused by mineral deposits left behind after water evaporates. Some types of Tradescantias get them more easily than others. These spots are normal and harmless. It seems to happen more if they're watered with hard water, so it can be worth trying to switch to rainwater or distilled water. If you don't like how they look, just wipe them off with a damp cloth.

Brown Leaves at the Base of the Stem

If you notice brown leaves at the base of your Tradescantia's stem, don’t worry too much. If the new growth looks healthy, it's usually just old leaves dying off naturally. This is a normal process and nothing to be concerned about.

But, brown and crispy leaves at the base can also be a sign of underwatering. If your plant isn't getting enough water, the lower leaves might dry out and turn brown.

Additionally, brown leaves at the base can also be a sign that the stems have become too long. Tradescantias are naturally creeping plants that root wherever they touch the ground. They are not adapted to having long stems attached to the soil at only one point. This can cause the stems to become weak, break easily, and the leaves near the base to die.

Regular trimming can prevent this issue by encouraging the plant to stay fuller and healthier. If the stems have already become too long and weak, simply cut all the healthy stems and start over.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiency or overwatering. If you notice just a few yellow leaves, it might simply be that they are old and naturally dying off. However, if multiple leaves are turning yellow, it’s important to check the soil first to make sure the plant isn’t suffering from root rot.

If the plant has root rot, you’ll notice soft, mushy stems and leaves that die off. Some leaves may also develop brown spots or turn brown and crispy. Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot. Check the roots for rot, and if present, you’ll need to remove the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

If root rot is ruled out, the yellow leaves might be due to nutrient deficiency. In this case, try fertilizing your Tradescantia to provide the necessary nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer to feed your plant and monitor its response.

Stunted Growth and Curled Leaves

Stunted growth and curled leaves are signs that your Tradescantia is stressed. This can happen due to too much sun, too little water, or a lack of nutrients. Some Tradescantias with red pigments, such as the Zebrinas, can develop an intense red color when stressed.

Often, this stress response happens when the plant is exposed to more sunlight than it is used to, such as when moving to a different window or, like many of mine, getting surprised when the spring sun appears after winter. However, it can also happen if the plant is allowed to dry out more than usual or isn't getting enough fertilizer.

To prevent this, make sure to gradually acclimate your plant to increased sunlight to avoid shock. If you’ve recently moved it to a sunnier spot, try providing some shade during the sunniest parts of the day. Check your watering routine, let the soil just dry out between waterings. Additionally, use a balanced fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients, especially during the growing season.

Brown Spots

There are many reasons for brown spots on your Tradescantia leaves. A few brown spots here and there don't necessarily mean anything serious, especially for certain varieties like Nanouk and Tricolor, which can develop these spots easily without any obvious reason. However, here are some common causes of brown spots:

Burn marks can happen if the plant has been moved to a sunnier spot recently. Variegated varieties are particularly prone to getting brown spots on the variegated areas, which are more sensitive than the green parts.

Physical damage to the leaves can also cause brown spots. And always keep an eye out for various types of pests, as they can also cause brown spots by damaging the leaves.

Wrapping Up

I hope these tips help you identify and address any issues your Tradescantias might be facing. By understanding the common causes of yellow leaves, brown spots, stunted growth, curled leaves, and brown spots, you can keep your plants looking their best. Regular monitoring and a consistent care routine are key to maintaining healthy and happy Tradescantias.

Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram. If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future newsletters.

Stay tuned and happy planting!

Katja

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