You will receive the exact plant shown in the photo. This Purple Heart plant has been transplanted in fresh potting mix and includes a decorative plastic plant pot.
While this eye-popping plant is usually planted in warmer climates as ground cover, the Purple Heart plant (Tradescantia Pallida) also makes a wonderful addition to your indoor houseplant collection. Beautiful either cascading out of a hanging basket or potted tight in a small pot, the purple heart plant prefers bright light to bring out the deep purple hues in the leaves.
During the summer, the plant will bloom delicate pink flowers that add an extra sparkle to the purple leaves. In the warmer months, you can move the plant outside, however, make sure to keep it in a shady location during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorched or burnt leaves.
You'll want to handle this plant carefully; its fleshy stems are brittle and may break off. It's a good idea to place Purple Heart Plant where you won't brush against it.
Tradescantia Purple Heart
Light
The Purple Heart plant prefers bright light for a bolder purple color but can tolerate lower light. It will grow in lower light, but the leaves will be more green than purple. If outdoors for the summer, keep in the shade during the brightest part of the day.
Watering
Water deeply when the first inch of soil is dry, somewhat of a frequency of about 1-2 weeks depending on the indoor temperature of your home. Less water is needed in the winter. Overwatering is one of the only things that will kill this plant.
Temp & Humidity
Average room humidity is fine. If the tips of the leaves are beginning to brown, add humidity with a small pebbled tray of water or a small humidifier. Average to warm room temperatures suit this plant year-round. Purple heart tolerates varying temperatures with a minimum of 50°F in winter. Keep out of drafts from doorways and away from heat/AC vents.
Feeding
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Toxicity
Purple Heart is toxic to both humans and pets. If ingested, the plant sap can cause burning in the mouth, tongue and throat. The sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive skin; always wear gloves when handling Purple Heart.
Sad Plant Signs
If the purple leaves are turning green, most likely, it is not getting enough sunlight. The foliage needs sun to develop its striking purple color.
Brown, shriveled leaf tips in Purple Heart plants are due to dry air, especially where the temperatures are too high.
Limp stems and yellow leaves in Purple Heart plants are due to underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly to maintain the soil moist at all times and do not allow the soil to dry out completely.