Purple, pink and creamy-white striped: Tradescantia pallida variegata is one of the most striking purple heart plants. Its fleshy, lance-shaped leaves look almost like those of a succulent, it grows in a trailing habit and is remarkably easy to care for. In this short profile you will learn how to keep it happy and how to propagate it.
Profile
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Tradescantia pallida 'Variegata', also called purple heart or Purple Heart plant. The species originally comes from Mexico and belongs to the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae). |
| Leaf | Lance-shaped, fleshy and striped in green, cream and purple to pink. In bright light the stripes glow especially intensely. |
| Growth | Creeping to trailing, ideal for hanging baskets and shelves. Also works as ground cover. |
| Comparison | Unlike the solid purple Purple Passion, the Variegata additionally shows pink and cream-colored stripes. |
Care at a glance
- ☀️LightBright to full sun. Direct sun intensifies the colors. In dark spots the stripes fade and the stems grow long.
- 💧WateringModerate. Let the substrate dry out slightly between waterings, and water even more sparingly in winter.
- 🪨SubstrateWell-draining succulent or cactus soil. You will find ready-made mixes among the substrate mixes.
- ❄️WinterNot hardy. Overwinter in a bright spot and, if possible, not below about 10 °C. More on this in the article Sukkulenten überwintern.
From spring to autumn you can apply a weakly dosed fertilizer every two to four weeks. Regularly trimming the stem tips keeps the plant compact and bushy.
Note for pet owners: The plant sap can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation in cats and dogs. It is best to hang the plant out of your pets' reach.
Propagation from cuttings
- Step 1 – Cut off a stem: Cut a healthy stem with three to five leaf nodes just below a node.
- Step 2 – Remove the lower leaves: Pluck off the lower one to two leaves so the nodes are exposed.
- Step 3 – Root it: Put the cutting in a glass of water or stick it directly into slightly moist substrate.
- Step 4 – Pot it up: As soon as the roots are two to three centimeters long, they go into soil. Several cuttings per pot quickly give you a full plant.
Common problems
- Stripes fade: Almost always a lack of light. Move the plant somewhere brighter, ideally into the sun.
- Long, thin stems: Also too little light. Cut the stems back and grow new plants from the tips.
- Soft, yellow leaves: Usually too much water. Let the substrate dry out and water more sparingly.
Conclusion
Tradescantia pallida variegata is a rewarding splash of color: plenty of light, little water and the occasional pruning are all it needs. You will find more varieties and general care tips in our article Tradescantia Sorten im Überblick.
