Tradescantia pallida is a beautiful, vining plant that is tropical in nature. It is a type of spiderwort, and is also known as the “Wandering Jew,” or the Purple Heart plant. Deep, green, elongated leaves with purple undersides are characteristic of Tradescantia pallida. This colorful and velvety foliage reaches and sprawls in all directions. In ideal conditions, a happy Tradescantia pallida will bloom with tiny, three-petal flowers of white, pink, or purple.

Tradescantia pallida is a fast growing plant that can tolerate a fair amount of neglect. The trailing vines of Tradescantia pallida can grow as much as three feet per year, up to twelve feet! You may need to prune back your Tradescantia pallida as it brilliantly sprawls across your home. You can also choose smaller pots to help contain Tradescantia pallida. This plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil, and moist conditions. Tradescantia pallida is a popular houseplant, because it can tolerate less than ideal conditions. It is also very good at phytoremediation, or the process of removing volatile chemicals from the air. The wandering vines of the Tradescantia pallida also make it the perfect plant for hanging baskets.

For a low maintenance, air-purifying, show-stopper, add Tradescantia pallida to your houseplant collection.