Setcreasea purpurea
Setcreasea purpurea
Purple Heart
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Taxonomy
Family Commelinaceae · Genus Setcreasea
Description
Setcreasea purpurea, often sold as Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart,’ is a fast, forgiving trailing plant prized for its intense purple foliage and small pink blooms. It thrives in bright light, works indoors or out, and makes a striking groundcover or cascading basket plant.
Common Names
Purple HeartPurple QueenPurple SpiderwortPurple SecretiaWandering Dude
Context
nativeRegion
Northeastern Mexico (Tamaulipas and surrounding areas)
usdaZones
8-11
companionPlants
Lantana, Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima), Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea), Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Margarita’), Coleus, Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’
culturalUses
Used as a vivid ornamental groundcover, in borders and hanging baskets, for xeriscaping, mass plantings, and color contrast.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright light to full sun for best color; indoors, bright indirect with a few hours of direct sun.
WateringLet the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil dry, then water thoroughly. Drought-tolerant; avoid waterlogging.
SoilWell-draining potting mix; add perlite or coarse sand. Outdoors, tolerates poor soils if drainage is good.
FertilizerFeed monthly in spring–summer with balanced fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength; little to none in fall–winter.
HumidityAverage household humidity (30–60%) is fine; not fussy.
TemperatureIdeal 65–85°F (18–29°C). Protect containers below ~55°F (13°C); hardy in-ground in mild climates.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitTrailing, spreading groundcover; cascading stems with succulent-like leaves.
Mature Size6–12 in (15–30 cm) tall; 18–36+ in (45–90+ cm) spread
Growth RateFast
BloomingSmall pink to lavender three-petaled flowers, mainly summer to early fall; sporadic indoors.
DormancyEvergreen in frost-free zones; may die back to roots after frost and resprout in spring; slowed growth in winter indoors.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings in water, Stem cuttings directly in soil, Division
DifficultyVery easy
Best SeasonSpring through summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch tips regularly to keep plants dense and colorful; hard cutback in spring to refresh leggy growth.
RepottingEvery 1–2 years in spring or when rootbound; prefers slightly snug pots.
Pests & DiseasesOccasional spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale. Root rot from overwatering; color fades in low light.
ToxicitySap can irritate skin; may cause mild GI upset and dermatitis in pets if chewed. Handle with gloves; keep out of reach of pets/kids.
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