The Purple Heart Plant, scientifically known as Tradescantia pallida, stands out as a captivating and popular choice in the realm of decorative plants. Its vibrant purple foliage and adaptable nature make it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. Understanding the intricacies of this perennial evergreen is essential for anyone looking to incorporate it into their green spaces. From its botanical details and growth habits to safety considerations, benefits, and care guidelines, this comprehensive guide aims to provide a thorough exploration of the Purple Heart Plant.
Purple Heart, a favored addition in Feng Shui, aligns well with a South-facing direction, symbolizing fire and attracting positive energy. Scientifically, it boasts remarkable properties, including air purification and effectiveness in removing Volatile Organic Compounds. A study highlighted its superiority in eliminating VOCs, toxins released by common household fixtures, making it a valuable choice for both aesthetic and health-conscious considerations.
Botanical Details
The Tradescantia pallida, commonly known as the Purple Heart Plant, boasts distinctive features that set it apart in the world of flora. This perennial evergreen is characterized by its elongated, lance-shaped leaves that exhibit a rich purple hue. The leaves are succulent and fleshy, providing the plant with resilience and adaptability. The vibrant purple color intensifies under the right conditions, adding an aesthetic appeal to any garden or landscape. In addition to its leaves, the Purple Heart Plant produces small, three-petaled pink flowers that further enhance its visual allure. Indigenous to specific regions, the botanical details of this plant contribute to its unique charm and popularity.
Growth and Maintenance
Perennial Nature: One of the key attractions of the Purple Heart Plant is its perennial nature. This means that, under suitable conditions, the plant has the ability to return and bloom each year. This characteristic makes it a reliable choice for those looking to establish a lasting and vibrant garden presence.
Sunlight Preferences: Understanding the sunlight preferences of the Purple Heart Plant is crucial for optimal growth. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile in various garden settings. While it can withstand direct sunlight, providing partial shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates, preventing leaf burn and ensuring the plant’s overall health.
Watering Requirements: Achieving the right balance in watering is essential for the well-being of the Purple Heart Plant. Being a succulent, it is adapted to withstand drought conditions to some extent. However, regular watering is still necessary, especially during dry spells. It’s advisable to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, a common issue in overwatered plants.
Multiplication: The Purple Heart Plant is known for its ability to multiply and spread, adding to its allure in garden landscapes. This can occur through various means, including root division and the development of new plants from cuttings. Understanding and managing this aspect of the plant’s growth is crucial for maintaining its desired appearance and preventing overcrowding.
Safety Concerns
Toxicity to Cats: Cat owners should be aware that the Purple Heart Plant is considered toxic to feline companions. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to adverse effects, including vomiting and diarrhea. To ensure the safety of pets, it’s advisable to keep the Purple Heart Plant out of their reach or opt for pet-friendly alternatives in the garden.
Toxicity to Dogs: While not as toxic to dogs as to cats, the Purple Heart Plant can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. It’s essential for dog owners to monitor their pets and, if necessary, create barriers to prevent accidental ingestion. Choosing plants that are non-toxic to both cats and dogs is a considerate approach for households with multiple furry friends.
Human Safety: In terms of human safety, the Purple Heart Plant poses minimal risks. However, it’s advisable to handle the plant with care, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. Wearing gloves can prevent any potential irritation that may arise from contact with the sap or leaves.
Seasonal Variations
Winter Appearance: As winter sets in, the Purple Heart Plant undergoes changes in its appearance. The vibrant purple color of the leaves may fade, and the plant may appear somewhat dormant. While it may seem less visually striking during the winter months, the Purple Heart Plant typically bounces back with renewed vigor as spring approaches. Understanding and appreciating these seasonal variations contribute to effective plant care and management.
Indoor or Outdoor Placement: One common query surrounding the Purple Heart Plant is whether it is more suitable as an indoor or outdoor plant. The answer lies in its adaptability. The Purple Heart Plant can thrive both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile choice for various settings. As an outdoor plant, it adds an exquisite touch to gardens, borders, and hanging baskets. When cultivated indoors, it makes for an excellent houseplant, bringing a splash of color to interior spaces.
Purple Heart Plant Benefits
Ornamental Value in Landscaping: One of the primary benefits of the Purple Heart Plant lies in its ornamental value. Whether used as ground cover, border plants, or in hanging baskets, the vibrant purple foliage adds a unique and visually appealing element to landscaping. Its low-maintenance nature further enhances its desirability in garden design.
Environmental Benefits: Beyond its aesthetic contributions, the Purple Heart Plant offers environmental benefits. As a ground cover, it helps suppress weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Additionally, its resilience in various soil conditions makes it a valuable asset in erosion control, particularly in sloped areas.
Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits: Traditionally, some cultures have explored the potential medicinal uses of the Purple Heart Plant. While more research is needed, certain compounds found in the plant may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s crucial to approach such uses with caution and consult with healthcare professionals before considering any form of medicinal application.
Spiritual Significance
Purple Heart Plant Spiritual Meaning: The Purple Heart Plant carries spiritual significance in various cultures. Its vibrant purple color is often associated with royalty, luxury, and spiritual awareness. In some belief systems, the plant is considered a symbol of transformation and resilience, drawing parallels between its regrowth each year and the journey of personal growth.
Cultural and Symbolic Associations: Culturally, the Purple Heart Plant may hold different symbolic meanings. In some societies, the color purple is linked to creativity and inspiration, adding depth to the plant’s cultural significance. Understanding these cultural and symbolic associations can foster a deeper appreciation for the Purple Heart Plant beyond its visual appeal.
Purple Heart Plant Care
General Care Guidelines: Providing proper care is essential for the overall well-being of the Purple Heart Plant. This includes planting it in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and ensuring adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases, though the plant is relatively resistant, contributes to its long-term health.
Specific Care Instructions for Different Seasons: Adapting care routines to the changing seasons is crucial for the Purple Heart Plant’s success. During the growing season, regular watering and occasional fertilization support its vibrant appearance. In winter, reducing watering and protecting it from frost helps safeguard the plant during dormancy.
Tips for Promoting Healthy Growth: Implementing a few tips can go a long way in promoting healthy growth. Pruning the plant to manage its size and shape, especially in regions where it tends to spread rapidly, is a recommended practice. Additionally, providing support for taller varieties can prevent them from becoming leggy and maintain a more compact and appealing form.
Indoor or Outdoor Placement
Discussion on Suitable Environments: Determining whether the Purple Heart Plant is more suited for indoor or outdoor placement involves considering various factors. Indoors, it thrives in containers, making it an excellent choice for those with limited garden space. Outdoors, it integrates seamlessly into garden beds, borders, and hanging containers, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the landscape.
Considerations for Both Environments: Whether indoors or outdoors, certain considerations remain universal. Adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and appropriate watering are essential elements for success. Indoor cultivation may require additional attention to humidity levels and temperature, while outdoor planting demands awareness of local climate conditions. Striking a balance between these considerations ensures the Purple Heart Plant flourishes in any chosen environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Purple Heart Plant, with its botanical allure, adaptability, and symbolic significance, stands as a captivating addition to gardens and indoor spaces alike. This comprehensive guide has explored the various facets of the plant, from its botanical details and growth patterns to safety considerations, benefits, and care guidelines. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a novice enthusiast, the Purple Heart Plant offers a wealth of possibilities for creating vibrant and visually appealing landscapes. Embracing its unique qualities and understanding its needs will undoubtedly contribute to a thriving and beautiful presence in your green spaces.
Plant Specification :
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Scientific name | Tradescantia pallida |
| Plant type | Deciduous |
| Soil | Liquid Fertilizer |
| Flower Color: | Purple /Pinkish |
| Flower Bloom | Summer |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 to 11 |
| Light | Full Sun / Partial Shade |
| Height | 12 to 19.5 inch( 1 feet to 1.6 feet) |
| Spread | 12 to 24 inch ( 1 feet to 2 feet) |
If you are interested in this plant I have given link to buy check below.
CHECK PRICE IN ETSY(recommended)
How to grow Purple Heart Plant
When growing Purple Heart Plant you have to note some of things so that you can grow it perfect and without hurting them.
Growing them is easy and they don’t require much of maintenance but there are some thing people mistake so I have divided into 4 parts you can check it below.
Here is on how to grow Purple Heart Plant :
Light
This plant likes light and if you keep it in light then it shows its bright purple color all year long.
You can also grow in partial shade from it, but then it will show green color instead of dark purple.
But keep in mind that do not let this plant suffer too much heat on hot days, otherwise its leaves can get burn.
Repotting
Purple heart plant also needs repotting because its growth is quick, so it’s root comes out of the hole of the pot and if it does not get much space, then its roots are prone to disease.
Whenever you start repotting , At that time, you can propagate this plant and for that you just need to take a stem of 3-5 inches and put it to a new pot.
To know the complete method of propagation, you can follow the method given below in the article.
The repotting is important because if you do not report, then after some time, the stem end leaves of the plant start drying up and slowly deteriorate.
Pruning
Tradescantia pallida can be kept healthy by pruning.
All you have to do is to trim the leaves from the top so that deep new branching can come and at the same time, you have to see that no stem or leaves have been damaged by the disease, because you need to trim those leaves and stems also.
Pruning is important if there is an issues like leggy conditions then their is no choice but to prune it.
Fertilizer
This is such a thing that every Purple heart plant needs when it becomes matured.
Because if it is to grow properly, then it needs a good fertilizer that provides can provide nutrients to the plant, which makes the plant grow well.
For that you need to buy equal amount of 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer. In that fertilizer there are components like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in equal amounts.
You need to give this fertilizer to this plant every month when summer or spring season is going on.
Also Read : String of Dolphins – How to Grow, Care, Propagate, Repot [Full Guide]
Purple Heart Plant Care
Purple Heart Plant requires better care and fulfillment of every caring aspect so the plant can avoid issues that happens in every 1-2 years. Purple Heart Plant care:
Water
In the initial days, you have to first pour water in it properly, after that, keep in mind that until the water gets dry, you should not add water at all.
To check Tradescantia pallida, you have to look for 1 inch soil by touching the soil using your finger whether there is water or not. If it is still wet, do not water it in the plant.
During the winter days, the dormant period by the plant where it mostly on sleep mode, so at that time there is no need for more water.
Keep in mind that if any stem starts to dry or starts to look bad, then understand the issue in the root, it is over watering that is causing the dry stems.
Soil
You can use 20% peat moss and 20% vermiculite compost on the soil so that air circulation and water drying can be improved.
Humidity
The plant has stable growth in medium to low humidity, but keep in mind that it can show bad effect on its roots in a high humid environment.
Temperature
The plant easily withstands winters easily But it is preferred to stay in temperature 19-26° C and in winter it should not go below 10°C.
Height
The Purple Heart Plant grows up to 1.6 feet. And as far as space is concerned, it takes 1 to 2 feet in pot or container.
Light
Here the plant grows perfectly in full sun and there is a big reason for that as it has shown more bright color in direct sun than in shade.
But keep in mind that in summer season when there is too much hot outside, keep this plant in partial shade area somewhere. It will grow there too.
Where to plant Purple Heart Plant
Many who are new to this plant want to know where to plant Purple Heart Plant is either in the garden with full sun or you can put them near the north facing window. But I suggest you choose a proper location for them where it gets 3-5 hours light , as they can grow more bright in sunlight than in partial shade.
Purple Heart plant indoor care
Once you selected the location right, Now you have a question in mind that how to care when Purple Heart Plant is in indoors so to help them grow best , you should give them less water as indoor doesn’t have much sunlight so it
doesn’t get dry easily so watering can be done in 3-5 days but always check for soil dry before watering. It is considered to be a gardener’s way of caring for plants.
Purple Heart Plant for sale
To buy this plant you can find it on various offline stores but nowadays very less people were growing this so I suggest you to buy Purple Heart Plant for sale here is the link below.
All things related to this plant can be find in home depot stores , i have given link for plant only. It was delivered fast.
USDA Hardiness Zone
When it comes to which location this plant can thrive easily, Purple Heart Plant zone for is 9a,10a,11a,9b,10b,11b according to N.C. Cooperative Extension and zone 8 is also included by WISE.edu . This plant loves sun so keeping them in sunlight
would be the best option and this way the plant can grow and show us beautiful purple hearts leaves. Full sunlight means you plant them in a location where it will get more than 6 hours sunlight , and when it comes to partial shade
it needs at least 2-4 hours of light means the light coming from the morning sun is sufficient.
Also Read :
Polka Dot Plant – Care Guide, Benefits, Pests, Leaves Curling
Cast Iron Plant – How to Grow, Care, Types, Pruning, Propagation[Guide]
Symbolism : Purple Heart Plant Spiritual meaning
This plant does a process called phytoremediation and by doing that it was able to remove the toxin present in indoor air. Purple heart possibly attracts clam energy which I wrote just in symbolism factor and it is connected with significance in providing health benefits and see more.
Purple heart foliage color termed as sign of peace or shows a person creativity, having big wealth it signifies on cases.
Purple Heart Plant symbolism
It is connected with the intense and at the same time calm energy. It may come from many things like inner strength , power, royalty, ambition. The purple color represents peace or devotion, creativity, wealth, and some mystery. This indicates that it provides positive environment where it grows.
Purple Heart Plant meaning
This purple color meaning is connected with Ambition, Royalty, Nobility , Power and Luxury. Even it is beneficial to health when it is used inside the house. As you know It does a process called phytoremediation & that is known for purifying air that is toxic indoors.
Wandering Jew plant Spiritual meaning
I have written a full informative post on Wandering Jew or Inch Plant about its symbolism , spiritual meaning , superstition and do you know this plant is very similar species of purple heart so Wandering Jew plant Spiritual meaning.
Most Searched Questions
All the answer given below is based on the data from Berry College on Tradescantia pallida.
Purple Heart Plant Poisonous
There are no such reports on whether Purple Heart Plant poisonous or not, but according to floridata, the juices when squeezed out of its stem and leaves can be dangerous for skin as it may give you irritation and could lead to redness on skin in some people not everyone.
Is Purple Heart Plant poisonous to cats? There is no report on plant being poisonous to cats , but be caution that without any report or advice don’t try .
Is Purple Heart Plant poisonous to dogs? It has been no reported cases so to tell you it is poisonous or not is very difficult for us , We don’t post anything if it doesn’t have proof in any government or education institutional report.
Is Purple Heart Plant edible?
The answer is still unknown as this plant still not reported to be dangerous to eat but do not try to eat as this may be harmful. Once any big organization updates its toxicity Like ASPCA or any government website then I will surely update here. As you know it takes time to update and no is there to force this plant item on pets, they have other machines to check this.
If you really wants to know then try to ask for local nursery and plant seller or people those who generally growing Purple Heart Plant, even wandering Jew.
There may be people who have pets in their house, they might have some experience with Purple Heart Plant so you can ask them or wait for me to update this article for you all once a trusted news or educational institution report it.
Is Purple heart plant perennial? Yes Purple heart plant(Tradescantia pallida) is a perennial plant because purple heart plant can grow and live more than 2 years. Perennial plants are those plants that lived more than those of biennial and annual plants. These 2 which I just mentioned can germinate, grow and die in the same year, the only difference is how many years they live. Perennial can live more than 2 years, annual only 1 year and biennial can live 2 years.
Is Purple Heart plant a succulent? yes Purple heart plant(Tradescantia pallida) is a succulent plant and have similar properties like tiny in size, drought resistant, its leaves and stems, easy propagation, slow growing, etc. many things similar to that of succulents.
Also Read :
Autumn Blaze Maple – Grow, Care , Prune, Facts, Diseases [Full Info]
Orange Star Plant Flower, Care, Propagation, Pruning[Detailed Guide]
Purple Heart Plant Benefits
Purple heart plant benefits is situated indoors to remove tiny particles in air which includes VOC components such as Wood coal or gasoline, burning fuels. According to Berry, if you include purple heart in your house, then it makes the place harmful air free and that is why purple heart plant is often called as air purifying plant. In a study where more than 27 different plants tested , only purple heart proves to be the most powerful and effective when it comes to removing indoor air toxicity, Dangerous Air Compounds like VOCs which directly come from household paints.
Purple heart plant advantage including increment in productivity as this sharpens our mind and you feel less stressed compared to no plants in the office or working place. Real Living Plants can benefit us to increase our creativity and focus. A 2007 study also tells that if you work in area having more plant, your chance of getting sick is lower than without plants. This Study shows employee who who works in this type of environment gets benefits as their mind productive increase and taking sick leaves reduced.
Purify Air and Remove pollutants
Purple Heart plants may eliminate harmful pollutants from the air[2]. Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene may be removed from the air using this facility. It’s perfect for reducing indoor pollution. The Purple Heart plant beautifies any environment while purifying the air.
According to sciencedaily, A study concluded that when people grow indoor plants like Purple heart plant then it improves the quality of the air that is present in the house by removing 4 different pollutants. According to indiatimes, the normal indoor air is 12 times more dangerous than the outdoor ones that is still better to breathe.
In Another study done in university of Georgia where they included 28 different ornamental plants to see the effects of plants in improving the indoor air. They also quoted that over 1.6 deaths happened in 2002 just because of illnesses such as asthma, neurological disorders that all come when normal people breathe bad and harmful air.
Researchers even said that there are 86 species of plant that are able to remove VOC such as formaldehyde but while they said future study is needed they also said another thing that indoor plants have the quality to remove such harmful pollutants.
Low-maintenance plant
The Purple Heart plant is an excellent choice for new gardeners or those who don’t want to put in a lot of work but yet want a beautiful outside space. This plant can thrive in a broad variety of soil types, temperatures, and light levels, and it only needs a small amount of care to remain healthy and beautiful year after year. It’s the best option for those who have hectic lives but yet desire a lovely landscape. Visitors to your garden are likely to take notice of the Purple Heart plant because of its striking purple leaves. This plant will provide your yard a splash of color without requiring too much attention.
Medicinal Properties
The purple heart plant is great for lower limb blood circulation[5]. Its components enhance blood and nutrition flow to the lower limbs, minimizing clotting. The plant also includes chemicals that relax vein walls, easing blood flow. Thus, it reduces thrombosis, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders. For people with weak circulation, the plant might relieve foot and ankle irritation and swelling. Finally, the purple heart plant’s antibacterial and antifungal qualities may prevent foot and lower limb infections.
Easily Grown Plant
Tradescantia’s purple heart plant is simple to cultivate and appealing. It grows in a range of temperatures and has long, thin purple leaves. Stem cuttings may propagate purple heart. For those seeking a easy to grow, low-maintenance, gorgeous home addition, this is a good choice [4].
What is purple heart plant good for?
Purple heart plant has been strong enough to reduce the bad indoor air and it has the ability to purify air like VOC that are harmful for humans. Purple heart has leaves with purple color and when grown properly it can be used as garden cover or container based plant, adding this to your garden will make the area more attractive.
Do Purple Heart Plant spread?
One of the reasons it is used as garden cover is because Purple Heart Plant spread quickly so you need to prune them back every year. These plants purify air and can provide fresh oxygen. You can grow a purple heart in containers if you don’t want it to spread aggressively. These plants look amazing and are tolerable to most climatic conditions.
Purple Heart Plant magical properties
Purple Heart Plant magical properties A Study showed it can decrease the bad air level which results in improving health of surrounding people when this plant is placed indoors. This is why the purple heart is a unique plant with the ability to clean the environment. It is also said to be a fantabulous bioindication for tiny pollutants and contaminants present in air. One more benefit is its eye catch plant and can provide the environment a beautiful view with the healthy air.
Purple Heart Plant Medicinal uses
Purple Heart Plant can be used as garden cover, potting in containers, pairing this with cornflower, blue star, orange star plant, Iris plant and hydrangea can make the house front more attractive and beautiful. Purple passion plant Resistant This plant is resistant to 3 things , first one is deer and second one is drought condition yes it can live without water for some days but don’t make it feel drought give them water and lastly salt.
Purple Heart Plant interesting facts
- Fast growing, roots can spread quickly.
- It can reach 1-2 feet in height and spread with the same length.
- Royal Purplish leaves and stems can be an attraction.
- Planting in a Dark Location can change its color to more greener foliage and not original purple.
- Flowering appears but lasts for a day or 2.
- It is Easy to grow a Trailing Plant.
- Best for Landscapes and ground cover.
- It is also known by the name Spiderwort.
- If provided with Bright Sunlight it may produce the best colors that are vibrant and pure.
Purple passion plant propagation in water
It is a very interesting concept and it was done by many , Purple Heart Plant was a success as roots started to grow in 20-30 days of propagation. There are some things you need to know before growing them in water.
- First thing first , cut them with a serialized(clean bacteria free) cutting tool.
You need to cut it from just below the node of its stem , & remember to take a healthy stem of about 3-4 inch long.
- Take a Transparent glass.
Fill water in it and the thing is we need the base cutting portion in water so fill it about 1-2 inch only.
- Every 3 days change water.
This is important as it makes the water free from any dirt or outside substance affecting our plant roots. Even Changing water is useful as all the minerals can be taken by plants so it needs fresh water every 3 days, you can also change it everyday but that will just increase your work.
- It will take 20-30 days for roots to sprout.
Once you find the roots started to develop , now it’s time to transfer it to soil pot. and Yes you have successfully propagated using water.
Purple Heart Plant turning green
Purple Heart Plant might be the case of plant not getting proper sunlight place it where it can get sunlight , the 2nd thing could be you have brought a different variety ( Setcreasea ‘Blue Sue’ ) it easily loses the color and you will notice its stem is purple but leaves are green. Else don’t worry your plant is in good condition variegated variety loses color a lot.
Indoors scenario changes, Partial Shade Environment results in green leaves rather than purple that is lightly shown on sides. Avoid Full Sun exposure to avoid any foliage burn that makes overall plant growth suffer.
Purple Heart Plant Texas
It need more water in starting days of its growth , once the plant adapts the soil it will be drought tolerant but make sure you are using well drained soil. Its not a Cold hardy plant so take care in winter and shift it to more warm locations. Pruning can increase its life so do it every 5th week.
Final words
I hope you get the information on “Purple Heart Plant” and if you like to read more article check below.
How to Care For String of Hearts – Soil, propagation, Tuber, Problems
Calla Lily Care Indoors – Flower, Propagation, Prune, Bulbs [Full Guide]
Sago Palm – Care, Seeds, Problems, Propagation[Full Guide]
Begonias for Sale – Care, Grow, Repot, Propagate[Full Guide]