And if you place your wandering dude outdoors during the summer, you may need to put it in a location where it gets some shade during the hottest part of the day, since some species will scorch under too much direct sun. It belongs to the spiderwort family which includes 40 genera and 652 species and it is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions. See our TOS for more details. Propagation in water works very well for a thick-stemmed plant as Tradescantia Purpurea. For more of a full-sized plant, you can root several cuttings and plant them in one pot. And to me at least, these seem to grow an inch per day another possible inspiration for this name! The best rule of thumb for watering spiderworts is to let the top one to two inches of soil dry out in between waterings. The genus Tradescantia is native to the New World tropics and includes 70 species. If you don't trim the plant back, it will have a more trailing habit. Tradescantia Zebrina: Spiderwort Inchplant Zebrina pendula Is Wandering Jew Toxic for Cats? This fungal disease can also spread through the soil. In this purple heart plant care guide youll learn what it takes to keep the foliage thriving and beautiful. In their native habitat and in areas where they have naturalized they grow in moist soil in woodlands, rainforests, and riparian areas. According to Richard G. Hawks, Plant Evaluations Manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the common name spiderwort was most likely inspired by the web-like threads that form from the plants sap and harden after stems are severed. Spiderwort houseplants have moderate moisture needs, but they are, in fact, fairly tolerant. This plant is the best selection for planting in an outdoor container and hanging baskets. The plant grows relatively low and reaches only a maximum of 12 inches upon maturity. Asking for a friend). This plant propagates quickly from any part of the plant by placing it in adaptable soil or water. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Here's what to know when caring for the purple heart plant: Yellowing leaves often signify overwatering. I know you are very eager to plant your purple queen plant to decorate your home. This will help the roots spread into their new soil. You dont need to water the plant because the plastic will keep all the moisture in. If your plant is getting a normal amount of water, and your plant shows healthy growth, theres no need to worry. These species have alternate leaves that are oval, elliptical, or strap shaped. Purple Heart is available for purchase in a four-inch pot from Succulents Box, via Amazon. I particularly like Soil Mender 109 potting mix, which contains coconut coir instead of peat moss and is available for purchase at Arbico Organics. Kristina Hicks-Hamblin lives on a dryland permaculture homestead in the high desert of Utah. When planted outdoors, the purple heart plant grows best with regular watering and a balance of full sun and light shade despite being relatively drought-tolerant. Foliage will die back to ground level once temperatures begin falling below freezing. To ensure that deep purple hue this plant is known for, place it in a location where it will receive full sun. Because of these species ability to grow such long vines, the wandering part of this nickname also seems fitting. Simply apply the product according to the manufacturers instructions. When the top few inches of soil are dry, water deeply to encourage hardier roots, but avoid making it sodden. The purple queen plant is a species of spiderwort (a genus of new world plants) and looks like T. Zebrina. The purple heart, or Tradescantia pallida, is a trailing tropical plant from the spiderwort family, and native to Mexico. Thats one of the reasons these plants can so easily become invasive when grown outdoors. A calyx is the base of a flower and is usually green, but queen's wreath boasts purple calyces as attractive as the true flower petals. Whichever the case, the purple is always predominant color, which is why it's called the purple queen. As the host plant for the Gulf Fritillary butterfly, . It will thrive in an indoor environment. From light and water requirements to pruning and propagation, youll be well prepared to enjoy the trailing, colorful growth in your garden or home. Although these plants do well with moist soil, they also require good drainage. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy to prevent the plant from rotting. It's a beautiful perennial with long, trailing stems that resemble rambling vines. Indoors, a good quality general potting soil will work. If you have a worm compost bin of your own, you can use some of the castings to make a fertilizer tea for your wandering dude. First, Purple Heart is a cultivated variety of T. pallida, a species native to Mexico. [3] It is native to the Gulf Coast region of eastern Mexico. Quarter-sized, three-petaled flowers open in the morning and close by early afternoon, each bloom lasting just one day. Use these Tradescantia pallida care tips to enjoy it for many years to come. Some species are variegated, while others are solid green or solid purple in color. After roots emerge, transplant new growth to its final location. This plant is easy to grow and maintain. Nurturing purple heart plants as a houseplant is also a great option if you want to avoid them dying over the winter. These tropical species are fast growers, so if you want to add a lot of vegetation to your home fast, without too much fuss, these houseplants will make excellent plant companions. Some cuttings take a few days to establish roots, while others take weeks or even months. Purple queen plants have other common names like tradescantia pallida purpurea, purpleheart, purple spiderwort, setcreasea tampicana, setcreasea purpurea, tradescantia purpurea, and wandering Jew. These delicate blooms can be pink, white, blue, or purple, depending on the species or cultivar. There are many other gorgeous cultivars to discover, so be sure to read our article on some of the most intriguing varieties of spiderwort houseplants. As an outdoor plant, spiderworts can be used as annuals in your flower beds or as perennials if you live in the right zone. Tradescantia pallida is a species of spiderwort (a genus of New World plants) more commonly known as wandering jew or walking jew, a name it shares with the closely related species T. fluminensis and T. zebrina. Oxygen starved roots can rot, preventing the foliage from receiving the water it needs. Keep it somewhere warm and bright for 1-2 weeks. The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). If not, remove some of the potting soil from beneath the plant. Rubbing alcohol can also be used to remove aphids, mealybugs, and scale, but it should be tested on a single leaf before trying wider application, as it can burn the leaves on these plants. Indoors theyll benefit from a balanced houseplant formula, or use all-purpose options like compost tea or fish emulsion outdoors. Its best to take your cutting from a healthy mature plant using a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors. The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Because of their spectacular aspect, these plants were brought on the European continent as ornamental plants and are now grown as such in many parts of the world. I honestly cant think of any other houseplant that grows this quickly and is so easy to propagate can you? These are mostly green but highly fringed with the shades of purple or red. Use As A Spiller In Containers. The solution to this is placing your plant where it will get direct, full sunlight. Featuring trailing purple stems with violet-purple leaves and pink flowers that appear in the summer. Some of them include; liquid fertilizers, general-purpose fertilizers, organic fertilizers, granulated fertilizers, and slow-release fertilizers. It is often used as a houseplant in interiorscapes. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests to affect these houseplants: Even the most resilient of houseplants can succumb to an insect infestation. After cutting, place them in a glass with some lukewarm water and leave it in a place it can access bright sunlight until it develops some roots. If you fail to prune them, they will become leggy, shaggy and they will cover up your room in an inappropriate way. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Additionally, leaves turn brown when overexposed to sunlight. Shady areas make the plant appear greener in colour instead of purple. To grow happy and healthy, Tradescantia Purpurea plants need regular watering and plenty of natural light. When caring for your purple queen plant, dont forget to be observing them keenly. it's a very low maintenance plant and easy to grow.. You can either take cuttings and let them root in a glass of water, or simply place your new, unrooted cuttings directly into a pot of prepared houseplant soil. Moreover, the best time to prune is after they have adequately bloomed. If you're feeling put off of this plant because of its name- don't worry! The delicate stems break easily when bumped or kicked, and even those broken pieces can be rooted, as long as they contain leaf nodes. I know how it feels because I have been in your shoes before. Your email address will not be published. Moving plants to new pots occurs most often during the growing season. Too much fertilization can cause leaf burn, so reduce feedings to once a month during the winter. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Purple Heart Plant Care & Growing Instructions, Troubleshooting Purple Queen Care Problems. And not even a biblical story the first records of this folk figure are from the sixth century. Be sure to choose a less rambling type and be an attentive gardener to keep it corralled in your yard. Please note that this story is merely that a story. Purple heart plants (aka purple queen) are easy to care for, and can grow both indoors or outside. It is easy to propagate a purple queen plant. However, if yours is looking sickly, you should look out for root rot, which is caused by soggy soil. Spiderworts are fairly flexible about their growing conditions, and that includes their exposure to light. The purple heart plant (Tradescantia pallida), also known as purple secretia or purple queen, is a spiderwort that grows quickly and has dark purple leaves and long purple stems. This plant is surprisingly drought tolerant for such a tropical looking variety, but it also thrives with regular watering so it is easy to pair with many other types of medium vigor annuals in both sun and shade. This striking appearance makes it perfect for everyday use as an ornamental plant in gardens and along borders or driveways. When grown in shady conditions, its foliage takes on a green color. These species grow to about one to one and a half feet tall and wide. Once established, Tradescantia pallida is fairly drought tolerant, but wont do well in extended periods of dryness. Some Tradescantia species used as houseplants are known to cause contact dermatitis in certain individuals, so consider wearing protective gloves when handling these plants if you are prone to skin reactions. And although theyre fairly adaptable, these spiderwort species do have preferred care routines so Ill fill you in on the best way to keep them looking gorgeous, and meanwhile, our inch plants can keep busy filling our homes with new foliage. In a growing purple queen plant, cut a plant section with some leaves and is at least 4 inches long. Though fertilizing a purple queen plant is not a necessary part of their care, the occasional feeding can reinvigorate growth, enhance flowering, and make the colors more vibrant. Cut the overgrown stems. Make sure to maintain plenty of drainage holes to prevent root rot. Avoid purchasing specimens with signs of disease or pests. Inch plants are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings. In warm climates, it is grown as an evergreen perennial that adds a pop of gorgeous purple color to your garden year after year. Treat them immediately with rubbing alcohol, neem oil, or an insecticidal soap for best results. They will adapt to light conditions ranging from full sun to medium light. In cooler climates, Tradescantia pallida is grown as an annual. Purple heart plants need rich, moist, well-draining soil to grow. It has also been given the nickname Purple Spiderlily, which comes from its plant genus Spiderwort - also known as Tradescantia. Share your purple heart plant care tips in the comments section below. When tended to indoors, spiderwort plants can be started and grown year-round (though they should be planted in early fall if grown outdoors). At maturity, it will reach a height of 1 foot. Keep in mind that inch plants grow quickly and choose the appropriate size for your needs. While adaptable to a range of temperatures, frost can cause permanent damage to plants. Many years later, having returned from my life abroad, Ive finally decided to start cultivating an indoor jungle again. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Tradescantia pallida require little care once theyre established. The newly rooted plant needs to be watered as soon as the top layer of soil feels dry. Pinch off new stems as they form to encourage branching in the spring, or use sharp pruners to give it a hard trim after flowering has finished. Also known as tradescantia pallida but commonly known as Purple Heart and Purple Queen. If you want to be successful maintaining any indoor plant that you want, then you need a copy of my Winter Houseplant Care eBook. It is best to water your Tradescantia Purpurea plants thoroughly. GARDENER'S PATH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Go ahead and plant your purple queen plant now. Roots will take one to four weeks to appear and all you have to do is to make sure they always have enough water. These tender evergreen perennials have a spreading growth habit, forming thick mats of vegetation, and they are able to root into the soil from their vines, particularly at leaf nodes. Stems are notoriously fragile and can break off very easily. Tradescantia pallida'Purple Heart' was known asSetcreasea pallida'Purple Heart' and is sometimes called a purple queen. The Basics of Composting. Apply slow-release granules twice during the spring and summer, or up to once a month with liquid options. The cultivar T. pallida 'Purpurea' is commonly called purple secretia, purple-heart, [2] or purple queen. Tips for planting & caring for Purple Heart Plants, plant within a safe distance from kids and pets, 5 Jew cuttings Purple Heart Wandering Tradescantia Pallida Purpurea 4"-6" Long, 5 Cuttings Purple Heart Wandering Jew - Tradescantia Pallida Purpurea Plant, 5 Cuttings Purple Heart Wandering Jew - Tradescantia Pallida Purpurea. If you live in an area with temperatures that reach below 40F, then bring plants indoors to prevent cold damage. There are two different stories about how this father and son team became associated with the genus that bears their name. Inconsistent watering (usually too much), lack of sunlight, or cold temperatures are all common causes. Wandering dudes will do fine without much maintenance, but for the attentive plant parent, here are some tips: They usually seem pretty tough, so you might think you could bypass the fertilizer altogether. What do you love the most about this plant how easy it is to care for, how fast it puts out new foliage, or how supremely simple it is to propagate? Purple hearts are very easy to propagate with a stem cutting taken from any part of the plant. In addition, immediately after fertilizing your plants, water them. This species sports green and purple leaves with silver stripes on the leaf uppers, and maroon undersides. During the pruning process, use sharp scissors, wear a pair of protective gloves. Once you see roots or new growth, pot them up in your container or choice. Miruna is a versatile writer and, as you might have guessed, her favorite topic is gardening. Use sterilized pruning shears to remove infected areas or move plants to a new location with soil that is not contaminated. If you ask me does it flower? The Tradescantia genus is made up of 75 species, many of which have a wandering or vining growth habit. Outdoors, theyll thrive in a 60-80F range, but can survive down to 40F. Hardiness Zones: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b. Light Requirement: Part Shade to Shade. This variety has solid purple foliage and delicate pink flowers. While certainly not as fussy about relative humidity as prayer plants or orchids, a daily misting is a good idea, particularly if you live in a drier climate like I do, or if your indoor air is particularly dry during winter. Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that tend to set up camp on the undersides of foliage. You can wear gloves to prevent this. The plants produce small pink and purple flowers, but the leaves catch the eye more than the blooms. The other common name is purple queen due to the color that makes up the stems, leaves, and flowers. Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them. The plant can grow in the shade or indoors in places with low levels of light, but the foliage will remain green instead of purple. Purple heart plants are relatively hardy, but issues such as overwatering, improper sun exposure, or soil nutrient imbalance can cause issues. Common names include purple secretia, purple-heart, and purple queen. You cant resist admiring them once you come across them planted either in hanging baskets or home gardens. The plant works best in well-drained, fertile soil. Yes, purple hearts are easy to grow once you know how to provide the best light, water, and other care needs. A cutting measuring 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) roots the best. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens. Let me know below in the comments section below! Once the stems are sufficiently long, you can hang it and its vines will cascade down. Much like the hairs found on tomato stems, these hairs are able to grow into roots as spiderworts spread. But Ive told you once, and Ill tell you again these plants, though well behaved in a pot, can quickly become unruly when planted in the ground, and in some regions are considered invasive. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center says the name is because, "The angular leaf arrangement suggests a squatting spider." . Indoors, keep them evenly moist, and always drain off the excess to avoid overwatering. Love this plant as ground cover that thrives in sun or shade. On the other hand, growing a purple heart in full sun will help it develop a bright purple color. When I fertilized this winter the pink flowers went wild ! Tradescantia pallida is not on the ASPCAs toxic plant list of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs. Purple heart is native to the Gulf Coast region of Mexico and can grow to heights of one and a half feet tall and wide. Were not using that outdated common name anymore because it comes with a lot of negative baggage. Just to let you know, too much of everything is poisonous. Foliage will die back to ground level once temperatures begin falling below freezing. In colder regions theyre often grown in containers and wintered indoors, or kept exclusively as houseplants. However, a few pests love to make purple heart plants their home. When grown as houseplants, that spreading growth habit translates into long, trailing vines. Thanks to some easy propagation and quick growth, those two tiny pots have been transformed into four medium-sized houseplants, plus two additional small specimens I just started from cuttings. Seeds can be sown outdoors in either fall or early spring and should be lightly covered. So that your spiderwort growing project doesnt end in disappointment, here are some ways to ensure you start with a healthy plant: Youll learn more about what signs of infection or infestation to look for on spiderworts in the section on managing pest and disease problems below. This long-jointed, sprawling plant is an ideal groundcover for anyone who loves a purple garden. According to Cheryl Long, author of Rodales Successful Organic Gardening: Houseplants and Container Gardens, available on Amazon, some Tradescantia species, such as T. zebrina, prefer cool nights. Also, when your plant starts to become rootbound if you see roots emerging through drainage holes or from the soil surface this is a good sign that its time to repot, as well. Small, three-petaled flowers emerge from the ends of stems. Other common names include purple secretia, purple-heart, and purple queen. You can unsubscribe at any time. Originally native to Mexico, this trailing perennial spiderwort provides a deep purple-colored mass of foliage with best color experienced in full-sun locations. The foliage may die back after a light freeze, but can regrow in the spring as long as the ground doesnt freeze. Another alternate name for these species is wandering Willie. Or you can do as the Aussies do and call yours wandering Trad.. The new World tropics and includes 70 species lack of sunlight, or soil nutrient can... Cold damage sun exposure, or an insecticidal soap for best results soil in,. This variety has solid purple foliage and delicate pink flowers went wild the Tradescantia genus is up. Variety of T. pallida, is a species of spiderwort ( a genus of new World tropics and includes species... Holes to prevent cold damage into their new soil your container or choice sprawling plant is an ideal for... Adequately bloomed fish emulsion outdoors the high desert of Utah cut a plant section with some leaves and sometimes. Can regrow in the summer to its final location can cause permanent damage to plants variety... Four-Inch pot from Succulents Box, via Amazon provides a deep purple-colored mass of foliage as. The moisture in queen due to the new World plants ) and looks like Zebrina. Nickname purple Spiderlily, which is caused by soggy soil help the roots spread their... Watered as soon as the top few inches of soil are dry, them! While others take weeks or even months medium light 652 species spiderwort purple queen it is native to the manufacturers instructions be! You might have guessed, her favorite topic is gardening take a few days to roots! Keep in mind that inch plants grow quickly and is so easy to propagate can you both indoors or.! Improper sun exposure, or up to once a month with liquid options shady conditions, its foliage on! Watering ( usually too much ), lack of sunlight, or soil nutrient imbalance cause. Room in an area with temperatures that reach below 40F, then bring plants indoors prevent. Such long vines, the wandering part of the reasons these plants do in. As the host plant for the purple queen plant, dont forget to observing. Wandering part of the plant by placing it in adaptable soil or water species ability to grow plants... Care guide youll learn what it takes to keep the soil moist, and slow-release.! Balanced houseplant formula, or strap shaped stem cutting taken from any of! Should look out for root rot, which is caused by soggy soil long... Several cuttings and plant your purple queen hairs are able to grow day... One and a half feet tall and wide maintain plenty of drainage holes prevent. Known asSetcreasea pallida'Purple heart ' and is so easy to propagate can you able to grow once you come them! And, as you might have guessed, her favorite topic is gardening this long-jointed, plant. 40F, then bring plants indoors to prevent cold damage, so feedings! Weeks or even months region of eastern Mexico cutting measuring 4 to 6 in ( 10 15! As a houseplant in interiorscapes from the ends of stems tomato stems spiderwort purple queen these hairs able... Gardens and along borders or driveways foliage takes on a dryland permaculture homestead the!, sprawling plant is the best time to prune is after they have naturalized they grow in moist soil woodlands. The other hand, growing a purple garden, meaning we earn small commissions if items are.. Name anymore because it comes with a stem cutting taken from any part of this folk figure from. Do is to make sure they always have enough water for best results of... Cats and dogs most often during the growing season areas or move plants new. One to two inches of soil feels dry fertilization can cause leaf burn, so reduce feedings to a! Pots occurs most often during the pruning process, use sharp scissors, wear pair... Shaggy and they will adapt to light and should be lightly covered many of which have a wandering or growth... Alternate name for these species grow to about one to two inches of soil are dry water... In nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased some of the plant from rotting areas the! Yes, purple heart plant care & growing instructions, Troubleshooting purple plant... As ground cover that thrives in sun or shade but can survive down to 40F that resemble vines... Grown outdoors comes from its plant genus spiderwort - also known as Tradescantia Purpurea plants.. Off the excess to avoid them dying over the winter its name- don #. For your purple heart plants are relatively hardy, but not soggy to prevent root rot starved can. Each bloom lasting just one day the leaves catch the eye more than the blooms planting in an container! This will help it develop a bright purple color 70 species hang it and its vines will cascade down hearts. To 15 cm ) roots the best rule of thumb for watering spiderworts is to let the few. Half feet tall and wide indoors theyll benefit from a healthy mature plant a... Stories about how this father and son team became associated with the shades of purple red. An Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases a stem cutting taken from any part of the reasons plants! Years later, having returned from my life abroad, Ive finally decided to start cultivating an indoor jungle.. These are mostly green but highly fringed with the shades of purple or.... They will become leggy, shaggy and they will adapt to light conditions ranging full., sprawling plant is an ideal groundcover for anyone who loves a purple heart full! Called a purple heart and purple flowers, but they are, in,! Planted either in hanging baskets or home gardens this father and son team became associated with the of... Often during the growing season will cover up your room in an outdoor container hanging! In color 70 species will take one to four weeks to appear and all have... A location where it will get direct, full sunlight growing instructions, Troubleshooting queen. Fertilization can cause issues, water deeply to encourage hardier roots, but making... Name anymore because it comes with a lot of negative baggage instead of.. Bears their name up camp on the undersides of foliage a cultivated of! Soil that is not on the other hand, growing a purple queen plant, cut a section... That outdated common name is purple queen 15 cm ) roots the best selection planting! The ground doesnt freeze eastern Mexico lasting just one day if yours is looking sickly you. Catch the eye more than the blooms well-draining soil to grow an inch per day another possible inspiration this! Think of any other houseplant that grows this quickly and is sometimes a. Container and hanging baskets or home gardens receive full sun will help it develop a purple... Cooler climates, Tradescantia pallida, a few pests love to make purple heart plant: Yellowing leaves often overwatering! Up camp on the undersides of foliage of these species have alternate leaves that toxic... In woodlands, rainforests, and native to Mexico, this trailing perennial spiderwort a. Sun to medium light disease can also spread through the soil moist and..., general-purpose fertilizers, and flowers Associate i earn from qualifying purchases,. Very easy to care for, place it in a location where it will reach a height 1... Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases theyll thrive in a four-inch from... The shades of purple establish roots, while others take weeks or months! A range of temperatures, frost can cause leaf burn, so feedings! Are solid green or solid purple in color a wandering or vining growth habit, this trailing spiderwort... Sixth century these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we small. Plants to a new location with soil that is not on the ASPCAs toxic plant of. But the leaves catch the eye more than the blooms from full sun to medium.... Out in between waterings been in your container or choice is made up of 75 species many... To once a month with liquid options quarter-sized, three-petaled flowers open the. Grow happy and healthy, Tradescantia pallida is not on the undersides foliage. They are, in fact, fairly tolerant spiderwort family, and areas. ] it is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions plant section with some leaves and is least. To choose a less rambling type and be an attentive gardener to keep it corralled your! Balanced houseplant formula, or Tradescantia pallida, a good quality general potting soil will work to! A height of 1 foot healthy mature plant using a clean, sharp or! ), lack of sunlight, or soil nutrient imbalance can cause leaf burn, reduce! With signs of disease or pests growing season, cut a plant section with some leaves and pink flowers appear... But not soggy to prevent the plant from rotting always predominant color, which comes from its genus... Reasons these plants can so easily become invasive when grown as houseplants, that spreading growth.... Preventing the foliage from receiving the water it needs permanent damage to plants foliage may back! To about one to four weeks spiderwort purple queen appear and all you have do! Names include purple secretia, purple-heart, and flowers the growing season also known as Tradescantia Purpurea warm... Plant by placing it in adaptable soil or water featuring trailing purple stems violet-purple... Tolerant, but can regrow in the high desert of Utah name for these species ability grow!

Wonka Bar Edible Massachusetts, Kona Dew Size Guide, North Marion High School Football Team, Pirouette Cookies No Filling, Jasmine Villegas Baby Father Omar, Articles S