Tradescantia zebrina ‘Deep Purple’

Tradescantia zebrina  ‘Deep Purple’

Description

A fast-growing, trailing houseplant with pointed, slightly succulent leaves in rich wine-purple tones. Each leaf features bold, metallic silver-green stripes that shimmer in good light. It spills beautifully from shelves and hanging planters and is famously easygoing—great impact, low drama.

Care Guide 

Light

• Bright indirect light is ideal
• Can handle some direct sun
• More light = deeper purple and stronger striping
• Low light = greener, leggier growth

Water

• Water when the top 1 inch of soil dries
• Prefers evenly moist but never soggy
• Very forgiving if you miss a watering

Humidity

• Average household humidity is fine
• No need to baby it

Temperature

• Happy between 60–85°F
• Avoid cold drafts and frost

Soil

• Well-draining potting mix
• Standard houseplant soil with added perlite works perfectly

Fertilizer

• Optional but appreciated
• Half-strength balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer

Maintenance

• Pinch regularly to keep it full and bushy
• Pruning encourages branching and prevents legginess
• Cuttings root ridiculously fast in water or soil

Toxicity

• Mildly irritating to pets if chewed (sap can cause mouth irritation)