Issue #34

What You Didn't Know About Tradescantia Pallida and Purple Heart

What do you think of when you hear the name Tradescantia Pallida? Did you know that "Purple Heart" isn't actually the official name for any Tradescantia? This week, it's all about Tradescantia Pallida, and you'll learn everything you need to know about this Tradescantia species!

Plus, don’t miss the Community Highlight featuring Chloe from the UK. She'll show some of the Tradescantias in her collection and share her best tip for keeping them happy!

Tradescantia Pallida

When most people hear "Pallida," they might think of the name "Purple Heart" or just a purple plant. However, there's much more to explore about this Tradescantia species.

Pallida is not the complete name of a Tradescantia cultivar; it's a species, a group of Tradescantia in which 11 cultivars belong. A species is defined as a group where all individuals are similar enough to each other to be considered having matching features and are all able to reproduce with each other to produce fertile offspring.

Pallidas have thick, upright stems and large, fleshy and hairy leaves. Pallidas tolerate dry conditions well and are commonly seen thriving in sunny spots in warmer countries.

Pallidas have developed anthocyanins, purple pigments that protect them from the sun. This is why they tolerate and need plenty of sunlight to stay healthy. Along with the Sillamontana species, they are among the most sun-demanding Tradescantias. Especially the purple cultivars, Purpurea, Purple Pixie, and Kartuz Giant, need a lot light to stay healthy and purple, and will quickly show signs of sun deficiency if they don’t get enough. If you keep them indoors, it’s best to place them in your brightest window.

The hairs on their leaves help prevent water loss and serve as a defense against insects. They can store water in their stems and leaves and are very drought-tolerant. So you don’t need to worry if you forget to water your Pallida for a few days.

The most common cultivar is 'Purpurea,' which has been popular since the 1950s. It was originally discovered in the wild in Central America in the early 20th century.

Besides Purpurea, there are ten other stunning varieties to explore!

Two of them were recently introduced by Avery Rowe, and are seedlings grown from cross-pollinating other Pallidas, Pallida Raindrop and Pallida Froglet.

What About Purple Heart?

Purple Heart is probably the name we hear the most when it comes to Pallidas. But there's a problem with calling your purple Pallida "Purple Heart."

There is no Tradescantia named "Purple Heart"!

It's a synonym that is used for two different cultivars. At first, 'Purpurea' was the one referred to as "Purple Heart," but then a few years ago, 'Purple Pixie' popped up and began to be sold under the same name. These two are very similar, so it's easy to get them confused, but if you know what to look for, they each have their distinct features.

The main difference between 'Purpurea' and 'Purple Pixie' is in their leaf shape and colour. 'Purpurea' has longer and narrower leaves with a more gray-greenish purple colour, while 'Purple Pixie' has shorter and broader leaves with a deeper purple colour. Additionally, 'Purpurea' has slightly more space between the leaves than 'Purple Pixie' does.

Seedling Update

Talking about Pallidas, a few months ago, I planted some Tradescantia seeds that I got from cross-pollinating a Purple Pixie and Ocampo White. Three of the seeds germinated. Two of them are still quite small and haven’t grown much.

But here’s the third one! It might not be special enough to become a new cultivar, but it’s my very first seedling, and I’m in love with it anyway!

Community Highlight:

This week, let's get to know Chloe, a Tradescantia enthusiast from the UK. You can catch up with her plant adventures and connect on Instagram @clohinton.

What’s your favorite Tradescantia and why?​
"My favourite is either my Spathacea Sitara or my Sillamontana Gold Stripes. I love the fluffy ones 🤩"

Which was your first Tradescantia, and where did you get it?​
"My first Tradescantia was a type of Zebrina, which I decided to rescue from work. I took cuttings from their plant and kept them for myself."

What’s the #1 Tradescantia on your wishlist?​
"I'd like to get more Spathaceas, maybe some yellow ones."

What’s one care tip or trick you swear by for your Tradescantias?​
"Rain water only!"

Any fun or unexpected stories about your Tradescantias you’d like to share?​
"My other half didn’t overly like them until I brought home the Sitara that I'd got on Marketplace.

Thank you, Chloe, for sharing your Tradescantia stories and tips with us!

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Do you have a Tradescantia collection? Or maybe one or two you’re especially proud of? Why not show it off in the next newsletter’s Community Highlight?

Reply to this email, email me at katja@exploringtradescantias.com, or send me a DM on Instagram, I’d love to feature your favorite plants!

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Until next time, happy planting! 🌿

Katja

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Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my code, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep sharing Tradescantia tips and content—thank you!

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