Also known as Arash · Bleeding Heart · Charlie
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is a striking perennial with vibrant purple foliage. It thrives in warmth and bright light, making it a popular houseplant and landsca
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright indirect light to full sun
75% intensity
Full sun promotes the most intense purple coloration, but can tolerate partial shade
Allow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil but avoid waterlogging
Well-draining soil
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C
50% intensity
Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but protect from frost
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Feed during growing season
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half every 4-6 weeks
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
Low
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging.
Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, as Tradescantia pallida prefers slightly moist but not soggy soil conditions. Overwatering is a common issue.
Prune regularly to maintain a bushy shape and encourage fuller growth. Pinch back leggy stems just above a leaf node. This also provides material for propagation.
Remove any yellowing or dead leaves promptly to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings and remove the lower leaves. Insert the cut ends into moist potting mix or water.
Roots will form readily, usually within a few weeks, allowing for new plants to be established.
Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repotting in spring, at the start of the growing season, is ideal.
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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
