Issue #28

Why Won’t My Tradescantia Cutting Root? Troubleshooting Propagation Problems

Have you ever taken a Tradescantia cutting, placed it carefully in water or soil, and then… nothing? No roots, no growth—just a sad, stubborn cutting that refuses to cooperate.

I know how frustrating it can be. You’re doing everything right (or so you think), but your cutting just won’t root. The good news? There’s usually a reason, and even better, there’s often a fix. In this newsletter, I’ll walk you through the most common reasons why cuttings struggle to root and what you can do to help.

But that’s not all! This week’s Tradescantia Spotlight is on Brevifolia Scout, an adorable plant that surprised me with the cutest blooms. And in our Community Highlight, meet MT, a passionate plant parent who shares how her love for Tradescantias started.

Tradescantia of the Week: Brevifolia Scout

This week, I want to highlight a less common variety: Brevifolia Scout. This unique Tradescantia was wild-collected from the mountains in West Texas in 2021 by Cistus Nursery. It has small, simple green leaves that might not grab much attention at first, but when it blooms, it produces the sweetest little purple flowers that are sure to win you over.

According to Cistus Nursery, Brevifolia Scout can survive in temperatures as low as -6 to -4 °C (20 to 25 °F) and regrow even after freezing temperatures below -18 °C (0°F). I haven’t tried this myself, but now I’m curious! I’m planning to plant it outside next year to see if it can handle Swedish winters and come back in spring.

Since its green leaves are simple and not very flashy, mine ended up a bit forgotten in my plant cabinet. But when it bloomed, I had to move it forward—those flowers are some of the cutest I’ve seen on a Tradescantia!

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My Tradescantia Cutting Root?

Propagating is a big part of owning Tradescantias. Regular trimmings keep your plant healthy and help you get that full, bushy look.

But what happens when a cutting refuses to root? It can be frustrating, but don’t give up just yet—there are a few things you can try to get those roots growing.

Start with a Healthy Cutting
A healthy cutting roots much faster than an unhealthy one and increases your chances of success. If your cutting seems unhealthy, it could be due to overwatering, lack of nutrients, too little light, or even pests. Depending on the issue:

Try rooting it in sphagnum moss with half-strength hydroponic fertilizer.
Move it to a brighter spot if it’s not getting enough light.
If pests are the problem, treat the cutting first.

If your cutting has a flower stalk, it’s better to wait until the plant stops flowering or cut off the stalk, as flowers can lower rooting success.

Check the Node
Roots grow from the node, so make sure your cutting has at least one healthy, undamaged node. If the node is damaged, the cutting won’t root.

Switch Propagation Methods
If soil isn’t working, try water propagation—or vice versa. Some cuttings just prefer one method over the other. Sphagnum moss is another great option, as it provides moisture and airflow to help roots develop.

Add More Light
Light is important for rooting. Place your cutting in a bright spot or under a grow light. Proper lighting can speed up the rooting process.

Be Patient
Sometimes, it just takes time. As long as the cutting looks healthy, it’s worth waiting. If the leaves get floppy or glossy (a sign of dehydration), don’t panic—they often perk up after a week or so.

Start Fresh
If nothing works, don’t be afraid to take new cuttings from the healthiest parts of the plant and try again. Sometimes, a stubborn cutting just doesn’t work out, but a fresh start can make all the difference.

If you look closely, you can see that the stem in the front has glossy leaves, which means it’s dehydrated and hasn’t rooted yet.

Do you have a problem with your Tradescantia that you’re wondering about? Hit reply or send me your questions to katja@exploringtradescantias.com—I'd love to know what struggles you have and I’ll do my best to answer them all! 🌿

Community Highlight

Meet MT!

MT, living in Italy, shares her love for plants on Instagram under the name @tropicallylemony.

She’s always been drawn to variegated and flowering plants, so it’s no surprise that Tradescantias, with their stunning leaves, have become a perfect addition to her collection.

What’s your favorite Tradescantia? "I don’t have a lot of Tradescantias yet, but among the ones I have, I think my favorite so far is Tradescantia Zebrina. They grow fast and aren’t too fussy to care for. Plus, they’re easy to propagate, so it’s fun to watch them develop and grow."

Which was your first Tradescantia, and where did you get it? "My first Tradescantia was a Zebrina Burgundy. I found the last pot at a very good price at a supermarket here in Italy—it was just under €4!"

What’s the #1 Tradescantia on your wishlist? "I think Maiden’s Blush! I love how lovely and unique the pink patches look, and the nerdy part of me is fascinated by how the variegation develop."

What’s one care tip you swear by for your Tradescantias? "For the few types I have, I let them completely dry out before watering again, and they seem to like it that way—along with lots of bright light."

Any fun or unexpected stories about your Tradescantias you’d like to share? "When I was in university, we identified Spathacea botanically as Rhoeo spathacea, so that was the name I was familiar with. We used the flower buds for cell division studies. Interesting, right?"

Make sure to check out her Instagram @tropicallylemony for more plant content and inspiration!

Thanks for sharing your Tradescantia journey, MT!

Want to be featured in the next newsletter? Send me an email with a picture of your favorite Tradescantia, and I’ll be in touch!

Until next time, happy planting! 🌿

Katja