pallida
pallida
Purple Heart
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Taxonomy
Family Commelinaceae · Genus Tradescantia
Description
Tradescantia pallida, widely known as Purple Heart, is a fast-growing trailing plant with striking deep-purple leaves and small pink flowers. Tough and easy to grow indoors or out, it thrives in bright light and makes a bold spiller in containers or a vivid groundcover in warm climates.
Common Names
Purple HeartPurple QueenPurple SpiderwortPurple Wandering DudeSetcreasea
Context
nativeRegion
Northeastern Mexico (Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon)
usdaZones
8-11 (tender perennial; annual or houseplant in cooler zones)
companionPlants
Lantana, Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls', Sedum, Portulaca, Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost', Coleus
culturalUses
Used as a vivid purple groundcover, edging plant, and container spiller; popular for quick color contrast and easy sharing via cuttings.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright light to full sun for best color (4-6+ hours). Indoors, use the brightest window; outdoors, give morning sun and light afternoon shade in hot climates.
WateringWater when the top 1-2 in of soil is dry. Drought-tolerant once established. Keep slightly drier in winter; avoid waterlogged soil.
SoilWell-draining mix: 2 parts all-purpose potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse sand. Ensure a drainage hole.
FertilizerFeed monthly in spring-summer with a balanced fertilizer at half strength, or use a slow-release granule. No fertilizer in winter.
HumidityAverage home humidity (30-50%) is fine; misting optional for aesthetics.
TemperatureIdeal 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect below 50°F (10°C); frost damages foliage.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitTrailing, creeping perennial with succulent-like stems and lance-shaped purple leaves.
Mature Size6-12 in tall, 18-36+ in spread; stems can cascade several feet.
Growth RateFast
BloomingSmall pink, three-petaled flowers sporadically, most often in warm months.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in winter. In mild zones may die back after frost and resprout.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings in water, Stem cuttings in soil, Division, Tip layering
DifficultyVery easy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer (any time indoors with warmth and bright light).
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch tips to encourage bushiness; shear back by about one-third if leggy. Remove sun-burned or frost-damaged growth.
RepottingRepot every 1-2 years or when rootbound; refresh the top inch of mix annually.
Pests & DiseasesSpider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale are possible; treat early. Overwatering can cause root rot; low light causes legginess.
ToxicitySap can irritate skin; mildly toxic to pets if chewed, potentially causing GI upset or dermatitis.
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