Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida): Rich Purple Foliage for Sun or Shade

Botanical Name: Tradescantia pallida

A Wandering Jew relative that's just as easy to grow. Rich purple, lance-shaped leaves make a beautiful year-round houseplant. Pot in a decorative container for a table accent, or hang in a basket for cascading stems.

Small pink 3-petaled flowers bloom in summer, contrasting stunningly with dark foliage.

Growing Tips

• Light: Bright light year-round for best purple color. Grows in lower light but leaves turn greener. Some direct sun OK; shade from intense summer noon sun.
• Pinch: Pinch stem tips to promote branching and compactness. Root the cuttings—they propagate easily.
• Repot: Spring, up one pot size. Drainage holes essential to prevent root rot.

Purple Heart Care Quick Reference

• Origin: Mexico
• Height: Trails to 2 ft (60 cm)
• Light: Bright light. Some direct sun OK; shade from strong summer sun.
• Water: Water thoroughly, allow top 1 in (2.5 cm) to dry between waterings.
• Humidity: Average room humidity
• Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C). Minimum 50°F (10°C) in winter.
• Soil: Peat moss-based mix
• Fertilizer: Monthly spring/summer with balanced (10-10-10) liquid fertilizer at half strength
• Propagation: 4-inch (10 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring/early summer. Root easily in moist mix.