Purple Heart Tradescantia pallida

Our Tradescantia pallida, also known as Purple Heart or Purple Queen, is currently cascading beautifully like a waterfall down the side of our refrigerator. Not only does it add a stunning pop of color to our space, but it's also a fantastic air purifier, helping to improve indoor air quality naturally.

As the weather warms up, we'll be moving our vibrant purple heart plant out onto the front porch to soak up the sunshine.

Purple Heart Care Tips: How to Keep Your Stunning Plant Thriving

The Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is a striking, low-maintenance plant known for its vibrant purple foliage and trailing growth habit. Whether you're an experienced plant parent or a beginner, this beauty is sure to impress. Here are the essential care tips to keep your Purple Heart looking its best:

1. Light Preferences:
Purple Hearts love bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can cause their purple leaves to fade. If grown in lower light conditions, the plant may become leggy and lose its vibrant color. For the best results, place your Purple Heart in a spot where it gets plenty of natural light.

2. Temperature and Humidity:
This plant thrives in warm environments, with temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It's not frost-tolerant, so be sure to keep it indoors if you live in cooler climates. Purple Hearts also appreciate moderate humidity, but they are generally adaptable and can tolerate average indoor conditions.

3. Watering Guidelines:
Purple Hearts prefer their soil to stay lightly moist, but they don’t like sitting in water. Let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings. During the growing season (spring and summer), you might need to water more frequently, while in fall and winter, reduce watering since the plant's growth slows down.

4. Fertilizing:
To encourage healthy growth, feed your Purple Heart with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth, so it’s best to stick to a moderate schedule.

5. Pruning and Trimming:
Purple Hearts are fast growers, so regular pruning can help keep them tidy and encourage bushier growth. Trim back any long or leggy stems to maintain a compact shape. Plus, pruning can help propagate new plants! Just cut a healthy stem, place it in water or soil, and it will root easily.

6. Repotting:
Repot your Purple Heart every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its pot. Choose a pot that's slightly larger and has good drainage. This plant thrives in well-draining soil, so be sure to use a potting mix that doesn’t hold too much moisture.

7. Pest Prevention:
Purple Hearts are relatively pest-resistant, but like most plants, they can occasionally attract spider mites or aphids. Keep an eye on the leaves for any signs of pests. If you spot any, rinse the affected areas with water or use insecticidal soap to keep your plant healthy.

8. Propagation:
One of the best things about Purple Heart plants is how easy they are to propagate. Simply snip a healthy stem, remove the bottom leaves, and place the cutting in water or directly in soil. In just a few weeks, you’ll have a new plant to enjoy or share!

By following these simple care tips, your Purple Heart will flourish and add a pop of color to any space. Happy gardening!