Pest identification
What's eating my purple heart?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling on purple leaf surfaces; fine webbing in joints; foliage loses vibrancy in dry conditions
Control: Mist regularly, trim badly affected growth, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small insects on soft shoot tips; distorted new growth; sticky honeydew
Control: Blast with water, spray with insecticidal soap; beneficial insects such as lacewings control outdoor colonies
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage roots in waterlogged soil; adults hover around compost surface; seedlings may collapse
Control: Allow soil to dry out between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; use yellow sticky traps
Keep purple heart pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Purple Heart pests — FAQ
What is eating my purple heart?
Purple Heart Tradescantia is attacked mainly by spider mites and aphids indoors, while fungus gnats target overwatered soil. In frost-free gardens it may also attract caterpillars and slugs. The vivid purple stems are resilient but infestations spread fast on this fast-growing, soft-stemmed plant.
How do I get rid of spider mites on purple heart?
Pale stippling on purple leaf surfaces; fine webbing in joints; foliage loses vibrancy in dry conditions Mist regularly, trim badly affected growth, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days
How do I get rid of aphids on purple heart?
Clusters of small insects on soft shoot tips; distorted new growth; sticky honeydew Blast with water, spray with insecticidal soap; beneficial insects such as lacewings control outdoor colonies
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on purple heart?
Larvae damage roots in waterlogged soil; adults hover around compost surface; seedlings may collapse Allow soil to dry out between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; use yellow sticky traps