How to Grow and Care for Purple Heart

Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is a low-maintenance houseplant loved for its striking purple foliage and delicate pink to purple flowers. It is native to Mexico and Central America and is prized for its striking purple foliage and ease of care. The vibrant color and ease of care of this plant make it a popular choice for beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to create a garden or add a touch of color to your home, Purple Heart is an excellent choice. Based on the information from NC State University and N.C. A&T State University, let’s see an overview of Purple Heart [1]

Botanical Name	Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea'
Common Names	Moses in the Basket Purple Heart Purple Queen Purple Spiderwort
Plant Type	Annual Ground Cover Perennial
Soil Type	Moist Well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic to alkaline (6 to 8)
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Bloom Time	Spring
Flower Color	Pink Purple
Mature Size	12-18 in. tall and wide
Growth Rate	Medium

Depending on where you live, there are various best times to plant purple hearts. If the weather stays above freezing, you can plant them outside as soon as the earth is dry enough for digging in regions with mild winters. This could be as early as February or March. When planting purple hearts outdoors in colder climates, wait until all threat of frost has passed in the later spring to prevent harm from freezing temperatures.

When grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11, the colorful purple heart plant is an evergreen perennial with a year-round growth season. In northern climates, it will wither away during the winter months due to the freezing temps, but the roots will survive, and new purple stems appear in the early spring. In warm climates, blooming occurs from late spring to early autumn. Plant purple hearts where there is direct sunlight to promote vibrant purple greenery. Even in partial shade, the plant will continue to grow, but since there won't be as much light, it will look greener with fewer purple hints. When growing the purple heart as a container plant indoors or outdoors, pick a container with drainage openings and use all-purpose potting soil.

Light

You are able to ensure that your purple hearts grow the vivid purple stems by planting them in full sun. The plant can also thrive in partial shadow, but the stem will probably look more green than purple in that situation. However, it's best to gradually expose these plants to more light as too much direct sunlight at once can cause foliage burn.

Temperature and Humidity

Although purple hearts can tolerate various temperatures, they are vulnerable to frost. Purple heart is a plant that naturally thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and enjoys heavy humidity. Place your plant in a bathroom or kitchen, or use a humidifier if the air in your home is particularly dry. The influence of dry air will make the leaves limp.

Soil

The ideal soil for purple heart plants is light, porous, and moist. Good draining is a must. The plant accepts a wide pH range, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Water

The purple heart plant is thought to be drought-tolerant and won't need much irrigation. However, it is best not to leave the plant dry for extended periods of time for optimal growth. When the upper layer of soil feels dry to the touch, water the plant. Additionally, you should only water it during the time when it blooms. Remember that young plants will need more moisture than mature ones and typically need to be watered at least once weekly.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer can be used, though the purple heart plant usually doesn't need it. Just make sure to dilute the solution to roughly half its normal power.

The plant develops long stems and easily becomes lanky and spindly. Following the blooming time, you should prune it in the warmer months. Because the sap in the stems can burn or irritate the skin, it is important to use sharp scissors and wear gloves. The overgrown stems should have the top half of the stems removed.

When grown outside, Purple Heart easily attracts snails and caterpillars. In addition, it might also attract other pests, including mealybugs, vine weevils, scales, and aphids. To keep the small creatures away, surround the plants with a barrier of gravel, wood chips, or diatomaceous earth.

The ideal soil to plant Purple Heart is to contain peat perlite, moss, and compost. Too much water trapped by the soil can cause root rot. So, check carefully that the container or pot has drainage holes on the bottom. This plant is frequently kept as a houseplant because it typically doesn't get very big. That is why this plant won't require frequent repotting. However, in case the roots start to poke through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot, it will need to be moved to a new container.

How often should I water my Purple Heart?

Water your Purple Heart once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Make sure not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.

Can I keep my Purple Heart in a low-light area?

While Purple Heart may tolerate some shade, it prefers bright, indirect light. A south-facing window or one that receives plenty of light throughout the day is ideal.

Can I propagate my Purple Heart?

Yes, you can propagate your Purple Heart. Take stem cuttings and root them in water or soil to create new plants.

How often should I prune my Purple Heart?

Prune your Purple Heart regularly to keep it looking its best and encourage new growth. Pinch off any yellow or dead leaves as they appear, and trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to promote bushier growth.

In conclusion, growing and caring for Purple Heart is relatively easy, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With proper care and attention, this beautiful plant will grow quickly and provide you with years of vibrant foliage and beauty. Remember to keep your Purple Heart in bright, indirect light, water it regularly, and propagate it regularly to keep it healthy and thriving for years to come.

 

Sources: The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea' - NC State University and N.C. A&T State University