Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Tradescantia pallida or Purple Heart

The genus Tradescantia, family Commelinaceae, comprises 30 species of herbaceous and perennial plants native to the American continent. Some species are: Tradescantia pallida, Tradescantia multiflora, Tradescantia zebrina, Tradescantia fluminensis, Tradescantia albiflora, Tradescantia spathacea, Tradescantia sillamontana, Tradescantia brevicaulis.

Common names: Purple queen, Purple secretia, Wandering jew, Purple Heart. This species is native to Mexico.

They are perennial plants with rapid growth and a hanging or creeping bearing that reach 40 cm (15.7") in height. The interesting 15 cm (5.9") long leaves are purple in color. The flowers are not very decorative but have a nice purplish-pink color. They bloom in late summer.

Purple Heart is used in pots and planters for terraces and balconies and as covers for other plants with yellow flowers (Pachystachys lutea, Phlomis fruticosa, Euryops pectinatus) or gray leaves (Centaurea, Artemisia, Santolina, Cineraria maritima). It's ideal for coastal gardens.

Tradescantia pallida grows in sun, shade and semi-shade exposures. It resists occasional frosts.

Purple queen can grow in any type of soil, even calcareous soils. The planting is done in spring.

Water moderately all year long, waiting for the soil to dry out. Wandering jew resists drought well.

Fertilize in the fall with organic fertilizer.

Prune lightly in early spring to remove old branches and control growth.

Tradescantia pallida is an easy to grow plant and resistant to pests and diseases.

Purple Heart is propagated in spring, summer or fall from cuttings.

Images of the plant Tradescantia pallida or Purple Heart