Tradescantia Pallida 'Purpurea' | Purple Heart Plant – Happy Houseplants
- In stock, ready to ship
ADD A BEAUTIFUL FITTED POT (OPTIONAL)
Introducing the stunning Tradescantia Pallida 'Purpurea' – a dramatic trailing houseplant with deep purple foliage that adds instant colour and contrast to any room. Sometimes called the Purple Heart Plant, it's a bold choice for shelves, hanging baskets, or trailing over containers.
Native to northeastern Mexico, this low-maintenance plant is a favourite for beginners and seasoned collectors alike. Its vibrant foliage and fast-growing habit make it a brilliant addition to modern and maximalist interiors alike.
This variety features slender, pointed leaves in a rich purple hue, with new leaves emerging an even deeper shade. The undersides of the leaves glow with a metallic sheen, and the stems can cascade elegantly over time, giving it fantastic movement and texture.
Your plant arrives in a plastic nursery pot approx. W12cm and is ready to thrive in your home or make a thoughtful, long-lasting gift. If you’re gifting, we can include a free handwritten card — just leave your message at checkout, and we’ll handle the rest, discreetly and beautifully packaged.
Native habitat and growth pattern
In the wild, Tradescantia Pallida grows in warm, dry subtropical regions, often as ground cover or in rocky outcrops. Indoors, it enjoys similar conditions — bright light, warmth, and well-draining soil. It can be easily propagated from cuttings, and with the right care, it quickly forms a trailing mat of vibrant foliage.
Styling tips
-
Perfect for hanging baskets, macramé holders or high shelves
-
Adds contrast to neutral interiors or green plant collections
-
Works well in minimalist rooms needing a pop of colour
-
Ideal as a trailing feature in a sunny windowsill
Tradescantia Pallida 'Purpurea' care guide
Light requirements:
Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate a few hours of direct sun. The more light it gets, the more vivid the purple foliage becomes.
Watering:
Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Soak through, then let it drain completely — never leave it sitting in water.
Feeding:
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser. We recommend our Original Vegan Plant Food, formulated from seaweed and natural nutrients.
Humidity:
Tolerates average indoor humidity well, though appreciates occasional misting in dry homes.
Pet safety:
Tradescantia is considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested. It’s best kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Propagation:
Simple to propagate via stem cuttings — root them in water or straight into soil. A great choice for sharing with friends or growing a fuller pot.
Why choose this plant?
-
Stunning purple foliage and trailing habit
-
Very easy to grow and propagate
-
A bold alternative to green houseplants
-
Perfect for gifting or adding texture to your indoor garden
-
Fast-growing and ideal for styling
FAQs
Will the purple colour fade indoors?
Only if it's in low light. Place it somewhere bright and the colour will stay vibrant.
Can I prune it?
Yes — snip leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. You can replant the cuttings!
How fast does it grow?
Very fast in the right conditions. Expect lots of new growth in spring and summer.
Explore more
Looking for more colourful trailing plants? Take a look at our Trailing Houseplants Collection or discover Rare and Unusual Plants for something truly special. And don’t miss our houseplant blog for tips on styling and care.
All our plants are supplied in a plastic nursery pot.
Happy Houseplants delivers live houseplants across the UK with fast, carbon-neutral tracked service.
At Happy Houseplants, we ship all live plants via DPD’s 24-hour tracked carbon-neutral service. Delivery usually takes 7–10 working days, but in most cases your plants will arrive much sooner. You can read more about delivery here.
We post to most of the UK, but we’re unable to deliver to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands because of higher shipping costs.
When we list a plant’s height, it always includes the grow pot, stem, foliage and living root system — not just what you see above the soil. Because every plant is unique, yours may arrive a little smaller or larger than the size listed.
Happy Houseplants is the UK’s leading online plant shop for rare and unusual houseplants. At Happy Houseplants, we’re more than just a shop. We’re a family-run business, proud RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners, and home to the UK’s number one houseplant blog. Plant lovers across the country trust us for beautiful, healthy plants and expert care.
We specialise in everything from easy-care houseplants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors. Every order is hand-packed by our small team in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered through DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot and consistently praised for the quality of our plants, the care we take with packaging, and our friendly, knowledgeable service. When you choose Happy Houseplants, you’re choosing sustainability, knowledge and a genuine passion for plants.
Looking for more vibrant and easy-care houseplants? Check out our Easy Care Houseplants collection or browse our Pet Friendly Houseplants if you’ve got furry friends at home. And why not read the Happy Houseplants blog for more styling ideas and plant care tips?
Happy Houseplants runs the UK’s number one houseplant blog with expert tips and guidance.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe buying a plant is only the start — helping it thrive is what really matters. That’s why we run the UK’s number one houseplant blog, filled with expert advice on watering, light, feeding, pest care and more.
Every plant we sell comes with straightforward care tips, and if you’d like to dive deeper you’ll find hundreds of helpful guides and styling ideas on our blog. Explore them here: Happy Houseplants Blog.
Whether you’re just starting out or building a collection, you’ll always find support and inspiration from us.
Happy Houseplants makes plant gifting simple with handwritten cards and nationwide delivery.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe plants make the perfect living gift — thoughtful, long-lasting, and always a joy to receive. Unlike flowers that fade quickly, a houseplant grows and thrives, becoming a lasting reminder of your care.
Sending a gift is simple. Just add your message at checkout and we’ll handwrite it on a card for you. We never include prices or invoices, so your plant arrives as a pure surprise.
Our carefully chosen range includes everything from easy-care indoor plants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors — ideal for birthdays, thank-yous, housewarmings or simply to brighten someone’s day. Every gift is hand-packed in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered nationwide with DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
When you send a gift from Happy Houseplants, you’re not just giving a plant — you’re sending a beautiful, meaningful gesture that lasts.
Happy Houseplants makes it easy to find pet-safe and easy-care houseplants in the UK.
At Happy Houseplants, we know every home is different. That’s why we make it easy to find plants that fit your lifestyle — whether you’re looking for pet-safe options or low-maintenance plants that thrive with minimal fuss.
Our Pet-Friendly Houseplants are carefully chosen so you can add greenery to your home without worry around cats or dogs.
Our Easy Care Houseplants are perfect for beginners or busy households, with varieties that don’t demand constant attention but still bring life and beauty to your space.
