Tradescantia pallida

Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is a houseplant in the Commelinaceae family, native to Caribbean. It is a direct sun-light species that thrives between 5000 and 15000 lux. Optimal indoor care calls for watering roughly every 7 days, temperatures of 16–30°C, and about 55% humidity. According to ASPCA data, it is toxic to dogs and cats; reported symptoms include inferred from aspca: genus 'tradescantia' contains members toxic to dogs and cats. species-level confirmation pending. It is also known as "Wandering Jew".

ASPCA Pet Toxicity Determination

Toxic to Dogs? YES (Toxic)

Toxic to Cats? YES (Toxic)

Clinical Symptoms:

Inferred from ASPCA: genus 'Tradescantia' contains members toxic to dogs and cats. Species-level confirmation pending.

Quantitative Care Thresholds

Light Level Profile Direct Sun

Minimum Light Requirement 5000 Lux

Maximum Light Tolerance 15000 Lux

Watering Frequency Every 7 Days

Temperature Envelope 16°C – 30°C

Ideal Ambient Humidity 55% RH

Taxonomic & Field Verification

GBIF Usage Key 2765221

Native Biogeographical Range Caribbean; East Africa; Galápagos Islands; INTRODUCED; North America

🔬 Verify on GBIF Species Portal