Purple heart - Tradescantia pallida (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Purple heart

Also known as: Purple queen

Tradescantia pallida is an evergreen perennial trailing plant, colloquially known as purple heart. This beautiful perennial is famous for its spectacular deep purple, pointed leaves. Purple heart is a common houseplant, but it is also often used in landscaping as a bedding plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Purple heart (Tradescantia pallida)

Spiderworts and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

45 cm

Spread

Green, Purple, Blue

Leaf Color

5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Pink, White, Purple

Flower Color

Purple, Green, Blue

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Purple heart

Distribution of Purple heart

Distribution Map

Purple heart is native to the forests of Mexico and has been naturalized in several subtropical countries around the globe. It has been deemed invasive in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Landfill, old home sites

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

An evergreen perennial, the purple heart is prized for the brilliant color of its foliage. It is commonly kept as a ground cover, or in containers and trailing baskets. It also does well along walls and borders. It seems particularly suited to rock and Mediterranean gardens. Its brilliant purple color does well when combined with Chartreuse coleus, Orange marigolds, and red begonias.

Symbolism

Resolution, courage, fearlessness, nobility, strength, creativity, wealth

Interesting Facts

Although few species can compete with Tradescantia pallida when it comes to the purple color of the leaves, this wonderful plant is considered invasive in Cuba, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. It's listed as one of the 100 most notorious invasive species in Cuba.

Name Story

Purple heart: People who noticed this plant is attracted by its purple leaves. Its succulent stems and leaves can grow as long as 18 cm causing it to be fragile and easy to break. Under sufficient sun exposure environment, purple flowers will sprout from the center of the leaves. It is like the plant pouring its heart to painting beautiful scenery in front of you. Hence, it is called purple heart.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Purple heart, including the following common varieties :

Purple heart 'Purpurea'

Toxicity

Purple heart is toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting its sap or juice can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if symptoms appear to ensure the health of the pet.

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Care Guide for Purple heart

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Adapted to tropical habitats, purple heart prefers moderate moisture and can tolerate brief dry spells. Water every 1-2 weeks, ensuring careful soil moisture management to avoid root rot, particularly in indoor settings where it's grown for its striking purple foliage.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of purple heart, use a high nitrogen fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, reducing to every six weeks in fall and winter. Apply at quarter to half-strength and water purple heart before fertilizing to protect roots. Adjust fertilization seasonally for vitality.

Pruning: Purple heart features vibrant purple foliage and benefits from regular pruning in early spring to promote bushier growth. Trim leggy stems just above a node to encourage new shoots, and remove dead leaves for health. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent infections and ensure optimal air circulation.

Propagation: Purple heart propagates best through cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems. Use sterile scissors to make a clean cut below a node, let it air dry, then place it in moist soil or water. Roots establish quickly; pot in well-draining soil with regular watering and indirect light.

Repotting: For purple heart, repot every 2-3 years in spring using a container 1-2 inches larger. Ensure indirect sunlight and consistent watering after repotting for recovery. Following these guidelines will help purple heart maintain its vibrant purple foliage in its new home.

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Images of Purple heart

Distribution of Purple heart

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Care Guide for Purple heart

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