Purple heart thrives in full sun and a variety of soil types.
As a houseplant, it’s often grown in hanging baskets in bright light so that it can trail.
Like other species of theTradescantiagenus, purple heart can be mildly toxic to pets and people.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Water the plant thoroughly once the soil dries out.
Fertilize it at the beginning of the growing season.
As the plant gets leggy, pinch the ends to encourage fullness.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Light
Planting your purple hearts in full sun can help ensure that they grow vibrant purple stems.
Soil
Purple heart plants will grow best in soil that’s lightweight, porous, and moist.
Good drainage is a must.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
The plant tolerates a widepH range, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
For best growth, however, it is best not to let the plant sit dry for long periods.
As a plant that grows naturally in tropical and subtropical locations, purple heart prefers high humidity.
Dry air will impact the leaves, rendering them limp.
Fertilizer
The purple heart plant generally doesn’t require fertilizer, although it can be used.
Just be sure to dilute the solution to about half of its regular strength.
Types of Purple Heart
The purpleT.
pallidamost often found at plant nurseries is the cultivar ‘Purple Heart’ or ‘Purpurea’.
While some less popular cultivars ofT.
Do so during the warmer months after the bloom period is over.
Aim to take off the top half of the stems that have become overgrown.
Get Your Pruning Gear
Looking for the best pruners to keep your purple heart healthy?
Here aretop-rated and tested prunersto make the job easier.
Propagating Purple Heart
Purple heart can be easily propagated bystem cuttings.
Opt for a new container that is about 2 or 3 inches wider than its current pot.
Fill it with fresh potting mix before transferring the plant.
Firm the soil around your purple heart and water well to settle it into its new home.
To do so, bring your purple heart indoors before the first frost.
Place it in the sunniest spot in your home since it prefers full sunlight.
Consider using a grow light if needed.
Water once the soil completely dries out, and prune the vines if they get leggy.
Purple heart can be placed outside again once your local last frost date has passed.
Common Pests & Diseases
This is a tough plant that attracts caterpillars and snails when grown outdoors.
However, it may also attractaphids, vine weevils,mealybugs, andscale insects.
Fortunately, purple heart is deer-resistant.
What Do Purple Heart Blooms Look and Smell Like?
They don’t offer much fragrance.
Ideally, these plants should get six hours of direct sunlight or more.
Indoors, you may need a grow light to achieve such conditions.
Treat it the same way that you have been.
Wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
it’s possible for you to use amoisture meterto confirm the timing.
If you are certain that this isn’t the cause, the plant may have a nutrient deficiency.
The oldest leaves on the plant will naturally die over time, which is no cause for alarm.
Move the plant to a location with more light, or add a grow light.
Purple heart is hardy in zones 7-11, so it will return each year in those areas.
In cooler zones, purple heart must be brought inside during the winter or grown as a houseplant.
This versatile plant looks lovely trailing out of hanging baskets and is also an effective, colorful groundcover plant.
you’re able to also use it as a filler or spiller in arrangements.
For more compact growth, pinch the tips of new stems.
This will encourage the plant to produce new stems closer to the base, leading to bushiness.
North Carolina State Extension.
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants; Inch Plant.
University of South Florida.
