purple heart, rhoeo, tradescantia

These easy to grow trailing to upright, tropical foliage plants are members of the Spiderwort family. Although there are several hardy, perennial spiderwort species, these houseplant varieties are best grown indoors year round, or planted outside during the summer months with annuals. Look for the purple, silver, white and pink striped Tradescantia or trailing Inch Plants. ‘Purple Heart’ is a vivid, deep violet-purple plant that is tolerant of more sun, and Moses-in-a-Basket or Rhoeo make bold, foliage “fillers” in the shade.

Grow in medium, indirect lighting 6-8’ from a sunny window, middle of a bright room, or in 12-14 hours of fluorescent lighting. Prefers cool to average household temperatures, 60°-70°F. Keep soil evenly moist to slightly dry. Supply extra humidity by setting on a shallow tray of moistened pebbles. Feed with Osmocote or Miracle-Gro April-September. Trim as needed to keep habit neat and tidy.