Natural leaf aging

What's happening

Tradescantia grows fast and constantly retires its oldest leaves to fuel new tip growth. If only a few of the lowest, oldest leaves are yellowing while the rest of the plant looks lush and well-striped, nothing is wrong.

How to fix it

Pick or snip off the spent leaves where they meet the stem for a tidier look, and carry on with your normal care. Just keep an eye out that the yellowing stays limited to the oldest, lowest leaves and doesn't start creeping up the healthier growth — and consider pinching the tips to keep the plant full as it ages.

This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.