Growing and Caring for Purple Heart: A Comprehensive Guide
Overview
Purple heart (Tradescantia pallida), also known as purple spiderwort, is a popular perennial vine known for its vibrant purple stems and small pink flowers. Native to Central America, it thrives in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
Care Requirements
Sunlight: Purple heart prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. In low-light conditions, its stems may appear more green than purple.
Soil: Provide well-drained soil with a pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Loamy, sandy, clay, or silt soils are all suitable.
Water: Purple heart is drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering. Young plants may need more frequent watering.
Fertilizer: Fertilization is not necessary for outdoor plants but can be applied once or twice during the growing season for indoor plants. Use a diluted solution at half strength.
Pruning: Prune purple heart during the warmer months after the bloom period to prevent it from becoming leggy. Use sharp scissors and wear gloves as the sap can cause skin irritation.
Propagation
Purple heart is easily propagated by stem cuttings:
- Cut a 3- to 6-inch stem with at least one growth node.
- Remove the leaves from the lower end of the cutting.
- Dip the end in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant the cutting in soilless potting mix and keep it moist.
- Roots will develop within a few weeks.
Potting and Repotting
- Use a well-draining potting mix that includes peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and compost.
- Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- Repot when the roots start to push through the drainage holes, typically in spring.
Overwintering
- In USDA hardiness zones 7-11, purple heart can survive the winter outdoors.
- In colder zones, bring it indoors before the first frost and place it in a sunny spot.
- Water sparingly and prune leggy stems.
- Move the plant outdoors again after the last frost date.
Pests and Diseases
Purple heart is generally pest-resistant, but it can attract:
- Caterpillars
- Snails
- Aphids
- Vine weevils
- Mealybugs
- Scales
Create a protective barrier around the plant using gravel, wood chips, or diatomaceous earth.
Encouraging Blooms
- Provide ample sunlight (6 hours or more per day).
- Avoid over-fertilization.
- Deadhead spent blooms to promote new growth.
Troubleshooting
- Why is my purple heart turning green? Insufficient sunlight.
- Is purple heart a succulent? Yes, its thick leaves retain water.
- How do I prevent purple heart from becoming leggy? Pinch the tips of new stems and wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
- Is purple heart the same as Moses-in-the-cradle? No, they are different species with similar care requirements.
Additional Tips
- Consider using a grow light for indoor plants to ensure adequate sunlight.
- Trim leggy plants to encourage bushy growth.
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.