The plant commonly referred to as the “Mardi Gras Plant” is primarily Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’, also known as purple heart or purple spiderwort. This herbaceous perennial has striking, deep purple foliage and stems. Its leaves are typically purple-violet, but can sometimes appear gray-green-purplish. Small pink or pale purple flowers may appear at the ends of its stems, usually from midsummer through fall, though they only last one day. Native to the Gulf Coast region of Mexico, Tradescantia pallida has a trailing or sprawling growth habit, making it suitable for hanging baskets or as a groundcover.
Caring for Your Mardi Gras Plant
Light Needs
The Mardi Gras Plant thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it near a window that receives filtered sunlight, such as a few hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun, is ideal. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, excessive direct sun can lead to leaf burn or scorching.
Watering Practices
Water your Mardi Gras Plant thoroughly, allowing the top inch or two of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If the leaves appear dry or wrinkled, it may indicate underwatering, and the plant needs a good soak. Adjust watering frequency based on the season, reducing it in winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Soil Requirements
The Mardi Gras Plant prefers well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. A well-draining potting mix is suitable. Enhancing drainage can be achieved by adding perlite or sand to the potting mix. A mixture of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite ensures good drainage and aeration.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain a moderate room temperature for your Mardi Gras Plant, between 18°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F). While it can adapt to different humidity levels, it prefers average to higher humidity. In drier environments, consider increasing moisture by using a humidifier or placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles. This plant is sensitive to cold drafts and and does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F), which can hinder its growth and damage leaves.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season in spring and summer, feed your Mardi Gras Plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent chemical burns or nutrient buildup in the soil. Apply the fertilizer to the base of the plant and water thoroughly. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter period.
Propagating Mardi Gras Plant
Propagating the Mardi Gras Plant is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section, typically 3 to 6 inches long, that has at least one node, which are the small bumps along the stem where roots will form. Remove the leaves from the lower end of the cutting to prevent them from rotting when submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in soil. If rooting in water, place the prepared cuttings in a glass of water, ensuring at least one node is submerged, and position them in a bright location away from direct sunlight. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks. For soil propagation, insert the cutting into moist, well-draining potting soil, burying at least one node, then keep the soil consistently moist until roots establish.
Troubleshooting Common Mardi Gras Plant Problems
Leggy growth often indicates insufficient light. If stems appear stretched with sparse leaves, moving the plant to a brighter location or pruning can encourage bushier growth. A fading or loss of the characteristic purple color, with leaves appearing more green, is a clear sign that the plant is not receiving enough light.
Brown or crispy leaves can stem from various issues, including underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun exposure. Ensuring consistent moisture, increasing humidity, and providing appropriate light can help. Mushy stems and yellowing leaves are symptoms of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If these symptoms appear, allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings and confirm the pot has adequate drainage.