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The stems are long and fleshy, growing outward and downward in a spreading trail. Leaves are lance-shaped, wrapping slightly around the stem at the base, and covered in fine, soft hairs. The upper and lower surfaces are a deep burgundy-red to purple, holding that color most intensely in bright light. Stems can spread wide or stay narrower depending on light and pot size.
Small three-petaled flowers appear at the stem tips, typically in pink to pale magenta, and bloom intermittently through the warmer months. The flowers are modest in size but appear reliably when the plant receives enough light and warmth. Purple Heart Plant also filters formaldehyde and other indoor air toxins, and has a history of edible and medicinal use in its native region.
Hang it in a basket or set it on a high shelf where the stems can trail downward. Rotate the pot regularly so all sides receive even light exposure. You can move it outside for summer, though it benefits from shelter from heavy rain. Cats, dogs, and small children should be kept away from it, as the sap causes skin and paw irritation and the plant should not be ingested. You can leave it up to ten days without water, and it handles dry, heated indoor air without significant decline. Keep it away from direct airflow from air conditioning or heating vents.
Purple Heart Tradescantia Pallida 'Purpurea' grows best in bright indirect light or partial sun, avoiding prolonged direct midday sun.
It needs water every 10 to 14 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between sessions.
Purple Heart Plant does best in a well-draining mix of potting soil combined with perlite or coarse sand.
It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F and should not be exposed to frost or freezing conditions.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, tolerating brief dips no lower than around 25°F to 30°F before foliage suffers. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Hawaii, and parts of Oregon and Washington along the coast. It also grows outdoors in Puerto Rico and other US territories falling within those zones.
Q: Is Purple Heart Tradescantia Pallida 'Purpurea' safe for pets and children?
A: Cats and dogs shouldn't be left to nibble or eat the plant, and the sap can irritate skin and paws on contact. Keep it on a high shelf or in a hanging basket, away from small children as well.
Q: How much light does this plant need near a window?
A: Purple Heart Tradescantia Pallida 'Purpurea' does well a few feet from an east- or west-facing window. A south-facing window can scorch the leaves if the plant sits directly in the glass's path at midday.
Q: How do I propagate Purple Heart Plant?
A: Snip a stem just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water or moist soil. Roots typically form within one to two weeks.
Q: Why are the leaves turning green or losing their purple color?
A: Purple Heart Plant holds its deepest color in brighter light. Move it closer to a light source and the purple tones usually return within a few weeks.
Q: Can Purple Heart Plant survive while I'm traveling?
A: It wilts slightly when the soil is dry, but can go up to ten days between waterings. Water thoroughly before you leave and it will hold through a standard short trip.
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves on Purple Heart Plant are usually a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry more completely between waterings, and check that the pot has drainage so roots aren't sitting in moisture.
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When your package arrives, you may notice a bit of loose soil in the box. This is completely normal during shipping.
Please remove your plants from their packaging right away and follow the care instructions included with your order. Succulents prefer to dry out between waterings, so only water when the soil is completely dry.
Succulents are resilient plants and typically recover quickly once they settle into their new environment. Give them a few days to adjust before placing them in direct sunlight, and avoid fertilizing right away.
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