Tradescantia leaves turning yellow

[bgflowermum]

Hi, hope all is well. I have a tradescantia and I am hoping for some advice. I've had the plant for half a year and it's growing really well, however it seems to be turning yellow lately. I follow a regular watering schedule and I check the top layer of the soil before watering. The plant is in a pot with drainage holes and I use premium indoor potting mix. It's also near a glass balcony door, south-facing. What could I be doing wrong? Thank you!

 

[EricL]

Hello @bgflowermum

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's fabulous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your Tradescantia leaves.

I'm sorry to hear that your plant is not in good shape. It sounds like you've been taking care of your plant very well. From what I recall Tradescantia does not need a lot of water to survive. Too much water produces this symptom of yellowing leaves. Do you have a catch plate under your pot? If you do perhaps this extra water is making its way to your plant's roots. I suggest bringing your plant outside to a shaded area out of direct sunlight for a few days. Let any excess water drain out of the bottom of the pot. Leave the catch plate off for the meantime. 

Let me tag our experienced members @Noelle and @Adam_W for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

Hi @bgflowermum 

Eric's advice is sound. Take the pot outside to a sheltered spot, remove the saucer if the pot has one to allow excess moisture to drain away freely and water only when the top 5-8cm of potting mix feels quite dry when you stick your finger in to the second knuckle.

You could also give the plant a little liquid indoor plant fertiliser every 3-4 weeks to ensure it is receiving enough nutrition.

[bgflowermum]

Hi @EricL and @Noelle,

Many thanks for all your recommendations. I'll take the pot outside and let any excess moisture drain out. I'll have a look at a liquid indoor plant fertiliser too. Thanks again, have a great rest of the week.