Pest identification
What's eating my purple heart?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling on deep purple leaves, silvery webbing on undersides; leaf color fades and plant weakens
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase humidity around the plant and repeat treatment every 5–7 days
Aphids
Signs: Soft insects massed at stem tips and flower buds; sticky residue and distorted new growth
Control: Knock off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap and repeat weekly until clear
Slugs and snails (outdoor)
Signs: Irregular holes in soft leaves when grown in beds or containers outdoors, especially in wet weather
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets around the base; remove mulch where slugs hide during the day
Keep purple heart pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats purple heart — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats purple heart — our other guide for the same plant
- PictureThis alternatives — 7 plant ID apps compared
- Common purple heart problems & fixes
- Purple Heart watering schedule
- Purple Heart light requirements
- Full purple heart care guide
Purple Heart pests — FAQ
What is eating my purple heart?
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is most commonly attacked by spider mites, which thrive in the dry conditions this drought-tolerant plant prefers. Aphids frequently target the vivid purple stems and new growth. When grown outdoors, caterpillars and slugs may also feed on the soft foliage. Inspect regularly at leaf joints and stem tips.
How do I get rid of spider mites on purple heart?
Pale stippling on deep purple leaves, silvery webbing on undersides; leaf color fades and plant weakens Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase humidity around the plant and repeat treatment every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of aphids on purple heart?
Soft insects massed at stem tips and flower buds; sticky residue and distorted new growth Knock off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap and repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of slugs and snails (outdoor) on purple heart?
Irregular holes in soft leaves when grown in beds or containers outdoors, especially in wet weather Apply iron phosphate pellets around the base; remove mulch where slugs hide during the day