The Purple Heart Plant (Tradescantia Pallida) is aptly named, because its iconic purple stems grow beautiful small flower clusters that range from violet to pink. However, despite its unique blooms, many gardeners choose this fast-growing plant for its foliage, which is particularly vibrant. Both the stems and upper surfaces of the leaves appear to be deep royal purple, but may also contain lighter shades of turquoise-gray that become darker as the foliage grows older. This long-jointed, sprawling evergreen perennial is an ideal groundcover. It can provide a pop of gorgeous purple to your garden year after year.
Sunlight
Thrives in bright diffused direct sunlight. Full sun can help ensure that they grow the vibrant purple stems. The plant can also grow in partial shade, but its stem is more likely to appear green than purple. Too much direct sunlight can lead to foliage burn.
Water
Water 1 or 2 a week, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
Sick Plant Signs
Yellow leaves, wet potting mix: Overwatering
Leaf drop: Low light, moisture-stress
Drooping, leaf curl, dry potting mix: Underwatering
