Tradescantia Purple Heart Plant, 4" Pot

Add bold, saturated color to a sunny room, patio, or warm-climate garden with Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea,’ commonly called Purple Heart. This fast-growing plant produces long stems lined with narrow, pointed leaves that deepen to rich purple in strong light. Small pink flowers may appear during active growth, creating a vivid contrast against the dark foliage.

Plant characteristics

• Pot size: Arrives planted in a 4-inch nursery pot
• Foliage: Elongated, lance-shaped leaves with deep purple coloring in strong light
• Growth habit: Fast-growing, spreading, and trailing stems that can form a dense groundcover in suitable outdoor climates
• Mature size: Commonly grows about 12–18 inches tall and can spread 24 inches or more; trailing stems may grow longer with time
• Flowers: Small three-petaled pink flowers can appear during the growing season
• Pet safety: Tradescantia sap can irritate skin, and chewing the plant may cause mouth or digestive irritation. Keep it away from pets and children, and consider wearing gloves when pruning.

Care guide

• Light: Provide very bright light or several hours of direct sun for the deepest purple color. Indoors, place it near a bright window and introduce stronger sunlight gradually to prevent scorching.
• Water: Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry, then allow excess water to drain. Established outdoor plants can tolerate brief dry periods, but container plants should not remain completely dry for long.
• Soil: Use a loose, well-draining potting mix in a container with drainage holes. Outdoors, plant in soil that drains freely after watering or rain.
• Humidity: Average household humidity is generally suitable. Good airflow helps keep dense growth healthy.
• Temperature: Protect from frost and cold drafts. It can be grown outdoors as a perennial landscape plant in zones 9–10 and treated as a seasonal or container plant in colder areas.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer, diluted according to its label, about once a month during active spring and summer growth. Avoid overfeeding, which can encourage weak growth and less intense color.
• Pruning: Purple Heart grows quickly and may require regular pruning or cutting back. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching, control long stems, and maintain a fuller shape.
• Propagation: Stem cuttings root easily in water or moist potting mix. Cut below a node, remove the lowest leaves, and place at least one node in water or soil.

What you’ll receive

You will receive one live Tradescantia Purple Heart plant in a 4-inch nursery pot. Natural variations in shape, color, fullness, and growth are normal for living plants. The plant you receive will be similar to, but not exactly the same as, the plants shown in the photos.