Troubleshooting
Tradescantia 'Bubblegum' problems — and how to fix them
Tradescantia 'Bubblegum' (Tradescantia 'Bubblegum') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Fading pink colour
Caused by insufficient light. Give brighter, indirect light with a little direct sun to restore the bubblegum-pink tones.
Leggy, bare stems
Normal with age, worse in low light. Pinch regularly and cut back hard; the plant quickly regrows dense and full.
Soft, mushy stems
Overwatering or cold, wet soil. Let the surface dry between waterings, improve drainage and remove any rotted growth.
Spider mites and aphids
Drawn to soft new growth in dry air. Inspect tips and undersides, rinse the plant and treat with insecticidal soap or neem if found.
Prevent tradescantia 'bubblegum' problems before they start
Most tradescantia 'bubblegum' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for tradescantia 'bubblegum' in general rather than its problems? Read the full tradescantia 'bubblegum' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Tradescantia 'Bubblegum' problems — FAQ
Why is my tradescantia 'bubblegum' fading pink colour?
Caused by insufficient light. Give brighter, indirect light with a little direct sun to restore the bubblegum-pink tones.
Why is my tradescantia 'bubblegum' leggy, bare stems?
Normal with age, worse in low light. Pinch regularly and cut back hard; the plant quickly regrows dense and full.
Why is my tradescantia 'bubblegum' soft, mushy stems?
Overwatering or cold, wet soil. Let the surface dry between waterings, improve drainage and remove any rotted growth.
Why is my tradescantia 'bubblegum' spider mites and aphids?
Drawn to soft new growth in dry air. Inspect tips and undersides, rinse the plant and treat with insecticidal soap or neem if found.