Also known as Arash · Bleeding Heart · Charlie
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Tradescantia pallida, or Purple Heart, is a striking perennial with deep purple, lance-shaped leaves and small, pink flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Some direct sun can enhance purple coloration.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-draining potting mix or garden soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Ideal temperatures range from 18-24°C. Avoid frost and extreme cold.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Sap can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Purple Heart thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly during winter months when the plant's growth slows down.
Ensure good drainage in the pot to prevent excess moisture retention.
Prune Purple Heart to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back leggy stems regularly. Remove any dead, damaged, or discolored foliage as needed.
Pruning can be done at any time, but is most effective in spring to stimulate new growth. Deadheading spent flowers can also improve appearance.
Purple Heart is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy stems, remove the lower leaves, and allow them to callous for a day or two. Insert the cuttings into moist potting mix or water.
Roots typically form within 2-4 weeks, after which they can be transplanted.
Repot Purple Heart every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repotting is best done in spring as new growth begins to emerge.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
Where Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Tradescantia |
| Species | Tradescantia pallida |
Similar in genus Tradescantia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
