Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)

Purple Heart

Tradescantia pallida

Vibrant purple foliage trails like living amethyst. Low-growing trailing perennial; common name: Purple Heart.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect to partial direct sunlight; retains rich purple foliage color best with 4+ hours of daily sun exposure
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Watering Allow the top 2 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives at 18–25°C; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C to prevent foliage damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Linear, lance-shaped leaves with deep purple, succulent texture
  • Flower: Small, three-petaled pink to pale purple blooms in terminal clusters
  • Stem: Slender, trailing stems that root at nodes when in contact with moist soil
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows

Banana peel tea:Soak 1 chopped banana peel in 1 liter of water for 3 days, strain, and use the liquid to water plants; avoid applying undiluted peel directly to soil to prevent pest issues
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems back to encourage bushier, compact growth
  • Remove yellowed or damaged leaves regularly to maintain plant health
  • Pinch back stem tips in early spring to promote branching and fuller growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental hanging basket plant, outdoor ground cover, or container foliage accent for color contrast