Purple heart guide
Tradescantia pallida, also called purple queen, Setcreasea pallida, purple secretia
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright direct
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 15 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. The sap can cause an itchy skin rash.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Stems trail 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft)
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes purple heart different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the tradescantia care guide.
What it is
Purple heart has long, narrow, solid purple leaves on trailing purple stems. The leaves have a light coat of fine hairs. In summer, small pink flowers open for one day each. It comes from Mexico, where it grows as ground cover. NC State Extension notes that its sap can irritate skin.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Purple heart | Long, narrow, solid purple | All purple, no stripes |
| Inch plant | Shorter, silver stripes | Silver stripes on top |
| Purple passion | Green with purple fuzz | Fuzzy, green-based leaves |
Care differences
Purple heart wants more light than other tradescantias. A few hours of direct sun keep it deep purple. In low light, it turns green and the stems stretch.
It does well outside in summer and comes back in for winter.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem tip and root it in water or moist soil. Roots form in a week.
Pet safety
Purple heart sap can cause a red, itchy rash on skin. Keep it out of reach of pets.
Buying it
Purple heart is sold as both a houseplant and a summer annual at garden centers. Look for deep purple, full plants.