Purple heart care guideTradescantia pallida
Vivid purple leaves. Ranked #47 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Purple heart when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Purple heart is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Purple heart problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Mushy stems · Root rot · Soft black stems. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Drooping leaves · Crispy leaf edges · Fading purple color · Slow growth. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains calcium oxalate (mild irritant), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Purple heart out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Echeveria, Donkey's tail, or Ponytail palm.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Echeveria, Donkey's tail, Ponytail palm. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Bred in Mexico in the 1950s; the deep purple intensifies in strong light and fades back to green in shade.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Purple heart based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Purple heart?
Water your Purple heart (Tradescantia pallida) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Purple heart need?
Purple heart is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Is Purple heart safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains calcium oxalate (mild irritant), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Purple heart out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Echeveria, Donkey's tail, or Ponytail palm.
Why are my Purple heart's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Purple heart, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are drooping leaves, crispy leaf edges, or fading purple color instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.