Purple Heart
4.7 out of 5 (82 experiences)
Fast grower
Survivor
About Purple Heart
Tradescantia pallida, also known as the purple heart plant, is an exceptionally easy plant to care for and rewards growers with delightful purple blossoms. Their small flowers are heart shaped, which gives them their name. They are extremely easy to propagate by stem and one plant can give rise to dozens of new ones, which makes them great for sharing. 🤝 As houseplants they often trail, but will also creep along the ground if grown outdoors. Their succulent leaves make them sensitive to frost, so be sure to bring them indoors if your winter temperatures dip below freezing. ❄️
Taxonomy
Tradescantia pallida
Tradescantia
Commelinaceae
Commelinales
Also known as
Setcreasea pallida 'Purple Heart' and Purple Fuzz
How to care for Purple Heart
How often to water your Purple Heart
every 9
Purple Heart needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Finding light for Purple Heart in your home
a window
Purple Heart may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Purple Heart in your home 🏡.
How to fertilize Purple Heart
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Purple Heart after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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Do I cut it off? Hello! Below you should see my Purple Heart plant which I received from my relative who couldn’t take care of it anymore.. unfortunately, it’s been quite chilly here and my once flourishing plant has now started drooping. However, as you can see, the bottom part of the plant seems to be doing just fine! I’m wondering what I should do about the higher parts? I’m pretty sure at this stage the top is too far gone to be saved, but any tips that can save the bottom parts and maybe aid in tips if what to do with the top as I don’t believe it’s healthy enough to propagate! Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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THIS is why you share cuttings with friends and neighbors. I grew this #PurpleHeart #Tradescantia from a single cutting I received almost exactly a year ago. In late July she was full and happy. Unfortunately she is the one plant that didn’t survive my vacation in early August. A few days ago I chopped and propped what was left intending to basically start over. Fast forward to today when I spot this absolute bananas one on my next door neighbor’s porch. To my shock- it’s one I gave her that I propped from my original Purple Heart. I told her how sad mine was and next thing I know she’s letting me chop the baby. So officially starting over but technically still the same plant!!!!🤣🤣
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Potting I am new to pripogation. This is a piece tjat broke off of my #PurpleHeart mother plant when I was repotting. Are these roots ready to pot or should I wait longer?
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The edges of all my leaves are turning brown. What's wrong with him?
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Curious what kind of light are y'all giving these? 🤔 Esp. if they're indoor plants. I've been growing mine from a cutting & just winging it. Any repot ideas?... she's trailing pretty well; do I just let it keep going? Trim? #happyplants #PurpleHeart
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I need your help dear people of greg So, I impulsively bought this yesterday with 5 other plants despite having no idea how to take care of any of them (I know, very stupid thing to do) And I somehow didn't notice that this one was in terrible condition. So I was hoping you guys could help me get this poor thing healthy and happy! Don't worry other 5 seem to be perfectly fine and I'll probably make a separate post for them later!
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Happy Friday!!! I just wanted to share with you that Greg Swapping is in full effect. I've received 2 plants: a purple heart and Peperomia. I will be shipping 2 plants next week. I was like a kid at Christmas opening the box. What a great idea!!
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Spring has officially sprung for my #indoorplants! My #transcandia, #piccolobanda, and #calatheafreddie are all blooming! I've had Megara for a few years now and she's pretty overgrown, but I'm always surprised by how smol her buds are. 🥺 @ManyLime our #greggetsspooky Calathea is doing so well, I'm so proud. Definitely worth the drama. 🤣 And Gira's stalks are so long I could barely get them in frame. Lowkey turned into morning yoga. #blooming #flowerpower #newgrowth #plantsmakepeoplehappy #happyplants #dapperpineapple
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can i move Lila outside for the summer or should i keep her inside all year round? i’m still kind of new to being a plant mom and i don’t really know which of my plants are safe outside for the summer. #NewPlantMom #PurpleHeart
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new member
Purple Heart is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
💦 Water Needs
Purple Heart prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
☀️ Sunlight Needs
Purple Heart may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity
Purple Heart is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Purple Heart Toxicity to Cats →
💨 Humidity
Purple Heart doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
🪴 Soil
Purple Heart does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
💩 Fertilizer
Purple Heart should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
❄️ Dormancy
It’s common for Purple Heart to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
🌎 Native Region
Purple Heart is native to the Americas.
🌸 Flowers
Yes, you may see your Purple Heart bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern
Purple Heart has long, trailing foliage which makes them a great addition to a hanging planter. The newest growth will emerge from the tip of the stems.
🌦️ Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Purple Heart can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-12a. Find your local hardiness zone here.
🌱 Propagation
Purple Heart can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
🍂 Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Purple Heart, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
🧐 Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Care Summary for Purple Heart
Purple Heart
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 3ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
What other plant parents say
Fast grower 57
Survivor 49
Easy to propagate 48
Large, lush leaves 17
Blooms easily 15
Browns easily 10
Pest magnet 1
09/02/2021
Like any tradescantia these are basically gonna thrive the minute you keep them hydrated and in partial sun. I started this monster of a plant in May from a cutting (with one tiny sad stem) and since then I already had to repot twice. Since May. Now I’m not allowing it to grow anymore, let see what winter brings.
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
08/19/2021
One of my Mom’s favorites, very easy to grow in containers or garden
Fast grower
Blooms easily
08/03/2021
Pretty low maintenance plant, as I think most are in this family. I’ve personally had a hard time keeping its purple coloring- despite it getting pretty bright light. It seems happy enough nonetheless, and has grown quite a bit from the little plug it started from.
Fast grower
07/14/2021
they grow fast in the right conditions!!
Fast grower
Survivor
07/09/2021
Very easy to grow, just plot it in the dirt!
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Survivor
07/06/2021
Another challenging plant to keep healthy indoors at least for me.
Survivor
07/05/2021
Idk what happened but my plant started off purple and changed to a more green color but I do have it closer to my window but it has been growing very fast but the purple variegation died off
Fast grower
Browns easily
06/30/2021
The pink and white leaves are beautiful!
Large, lush leaves
Blooms easily
Easy to propagate
Fast grower
06/19/2021
This is a great plant for hanging or climbing. If you give it more shade or it gets root bound it will turn green. It grows quickly so keep an eye on the roots. If it gets rooted just give it a larger pot. Works very well outside as a planter cover as well. Vibrant beautiful purple leaves and stems with lavender flowers.
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Blooms easily
Survivor
06/18/2021
Honestly, this is one of the easiest plants I’ve ever had. I received a cutting from a friend and two weeks later there was roots all over and new growth. It’s a beautiful color as well.
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Survivor
06/15/2021
This was a cutting from the state capitol. Dies back in the winter, so I brought it in the house and it is doing fantastic. My daughter broke a piece off and this is the broken piece.
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
06/11/2021
these guys break super easily, but it’s easy to root the broken limbs into new plants
Easy to propagate
06/11/2021
I just love this plant for its vibrant pink leaves.
Easy to propagate
06/10/2021
I should name her survivor! I dropped her and broken almost every piece of it off. She’s coming back with a vengeance. You go girl!
Survivor
Fast grower
06/06/2021
didnt realise this until today but purple hearts can even flower! they’re the ideal plant for over wateres and generally a great survivor under any conditions! my fave plant
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Survivor
06/03/2021
It has been a joy to see the purples and greens mess and how it bring so much color to my room.
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Blooms easily
05/26/2021
lov
Easy to propagate
Fast grower
Survivor
05/19/2021
Super pretty ☹️ i just love it
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Easy to propagate
Survivor
05/18/2021
This plant is a SURVIVOR in my house hold. The amount of times I have thought I had killed to plant, or my cats had... it always comes back! I finally moved into a place where it will not be burnt to a crisp and up and away from cats!
Survivor
05/15/2021
Beautiful fast growth. Propagate by cutting and placing directly in dirt... super fast grower!
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Blooms easily
Survivor
Large, lush leaves
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