Purple heart care guide
Tradescantia pallida
Quick answer
Water your purple heart when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Purple heart needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your purple heart every 45 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
Humidity40–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–27 °C (64–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses NC State Extension Plant Toolbox where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full purple heart toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a purple heart?
Water your purple heart (Tradescantia pallida) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a purple heart need?
Purple heart needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Is purple heart safe for cats and dogs?
The source reports mouth irritation, stomach irritation, skin redness and irritation (after contact with the sap or leaves). Keep purple heart out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like donkey’s tail, ponytail palm, rosemary, or indoor banana.
Why is my purple heart turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxFull sun/partial shade · purple color response · drought and dry-soil tolerance · 50°F minimum · indoor container use · pests and pet/human irritation
- University of Wisconsin–Madison ExtensionFull sun for color · drought tolerance · monthly active-growth feed · winter water reduction · pests · fragile stems · dog/skin irritation note
- Royal Horticultural SocietyFull sun/partial shade · moist well-drained soil · movable containers · bright filtered houseplant light · winter watering · pests · skin allergen
- How we check our plant advice
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