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Purple heart

Tradescantia pallida

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Purple heart · Tradescantia pallida

Deep purple trailing stems and leaves quickly fill a pot or bed edge.

Care and placement

Likes plenty of light (4–6 hours of sun or very bright indirect light) for deep purple colour; let the top 2–3 cm dry between waterings; very easy to grow.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 30 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 50 cm

Things to consider

Tradescantia is listed by ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (dermatitis). The sap contains calcium oxalate and may irritate skin or cause a rash in sensitive people. Wear gloves when pruning; keep away from pets and children.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a pot or hanging basket with a light, well-draining mix (add perlite), or as a sunny border. Repot when roots fill the pot.

  2. Light

    Bright light gives the deepest purple; dim spots fade leaves to greenish-brown. Some sources note that very harsh sun can dull the colour.

  3. Watering

    Err on the dry side: let the top 2–3 cm dry, then water thoroughly. Overwatering causes root rot.

  4. Feeding

    Half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer; stop in autumn and winter.

  5. Pruning

    Pinch and trim stems regularly, cutting just above a node, to keep it full rather than stretched.

  6. Propagation

    Very easy from cuttings: take 10–15 cm stem sections, strip the lowest 2–3 cm of leaves, root in water (no leaves submerged) or moist mix; roots form quickly.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Generally pest-resistant; aphids and spider mites occasionally (indoors), scale or mealybugs outdoors. Overwatering causes root rot.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For abundant, deep purple foliage: plenty of light, frequent pinching, sparing water and light feeding in warm months. Small pink flowers appear sporadically in good sun.