Purple Heart Basket in 8″ Pot

A trailing, tender perennial with succulent, deep-purple stems and foliage that looks striking spilling from a hanging basket. Habit is sprawling/cascading: upright at first, then the fragile, fleshy stems arch and trail 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) long; overall height 20–45 cm (8–18 in) in a basket. Leaves are alternate, lanceolate to narrow-elliptic, 7–15 cm × 1–3 cm, sessile and sheathing the stem, deep royal purple above, bright violet underneath, slightly hairy and glossy. Color is richest in strong light; in shade foliage turns greener. Flowers appear in warm weather at the stem tips: small, 3-petalled, bright pink to pale purple, ∼2–3 cm across, nestled between two bracts; open in the morning and last a day, but bloom intermittently through the season.

Quick care for a basket: bright light to full sun (≥6 hrs; 4–6 hrs direct sun gives the best purple; too little light makes it leggy and green). Indoors give the brightest window or supplement with a grow light; protect from harsh midday sun that can scorch. Warm 18–27 °C (65–80 °F); hardy outdoors in USDA 9–11 (zones 7–8: foliage dies back in frost but roots survive to ~−12 °C/10 °F and resprout). Soil: light, well-drained potting mix (peat or coco 50% + perlite 25% + compost 25%); pH 5.5–7.5. Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm dry—keep evenly moist but not soggy; allow slight drying between waterings. Reduce water in winter. Tolerates average humidity; mist if air is very dry. Feed monthly in spring–summer with balanced fertilizer (half strength). Pinch stem tips regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess; cut back after flowering to refresh. Propagate easily by 8–10 cm tip cuttings in water or moist soil (roots in 1–2 weeks). Watch for spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale; overwatering causes root rot. Sap can irritate skin and is mildly toxic if ingested—keep away from pets/children. Fantastic spiller for hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed containers.