Purple heart (Tradescantia pallida), also known as purple spiderwort, is a trailing vine with purple stems, silvery-purple foliage, and small flower clusters in summer, ranging from violet to pink.
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
Water
Purple heart is considered to be drought-tolerant, and it will not require a great deal of watering. For best growth, however, it is best not to let the plant sit dry for long periods.
Light
Planting your purple hearts in full sun can help ensure that they grow the vibrant purple stems. The plant can also grow in partial shade, but its stem is more likely to appear green than purple. It’s best to introduce these plants to brighter conditions over time, as too much direct sunlight all at once can lead to foliage burn.
Soil
Purple heart plants will grow best in soil that’s lightweight, porous, and moist. Good drainage is a must. The plant tolerates a wide pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Pro Tip
To grow purple heart, place it in a sunny location (full sun outdoors or the sunniest spot you can find indoors) and plant it in well-draining soil. 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.