Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’ (‘Purple Joy’) – rich burgundy stripes on a fast, trailing houseplant
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’, traded as ‘Purple Joy’, is a trailing perennial celebrated for deep burgundy leaves with metallic silver banding and purple undersides. Native species Tradescantia zebrina occurs from southern Mexico through Central America and readily roots at nodes, which explains vigorous, easy care indoors.
Why Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’ stands out

 
Signature foliage: Dorsiventral leaves with reflective silver streaks above and saturated purple below for high contrast in bright light.
 
True trailer: Flexible stems cascade from baskets and wall planters; nodes root readily for quick thickening.
 
Low-effort growth: Fast, forgiving and ideal for beginners who want quick results.

Size and form at dispatch

 
Typical pot: 12 cm nursery pot.
 
Trailing length: ~15–25 cm with multiple rooted nodes.
 
Spread: ~20–30 cm depending on pruning and light.

Natural range and ecology
Tradescantia zebrina (Commelinaceae) grows in warm, humid habitats from southern Mexico to Central America, often along forest edges and disturbed ground. Habit is creeping to trailing; stems root where nodes contact moist substrate. ‘Burgundy’ is a cultivated selection emphasising deeper purple pigmentation and pronounced silver sheen.
Care guide – simple, precise, reliable
Light

 
Bright, indirect light: Maintains burgundy depth and metallic silver contrast. Brief gentle sun is fine; avoid harsh midday exposure that can scorch blades.

Water

 
Moderate moisture: Water when the top 2–3 cm of substrate are dry; always drain free water. Chronically wet media encourages root decline.

Temperature & humidity

 
Temperature: 18–24 °C is ideal; protect from prolonged drops below 10 °C.
 
Humidity: Comfortable in typical indoor ranges; stable airflow helps keep foliage clean and resilient.

Substrate & nutrition

 
Substrate: Peat-free houseplant mix with 20–30% perlite or pumice for drainage.
 
Fertiliser: Balanced liquid feed at 25–50% label rate every 4–6 weeks; adjust to growth rate rather than seasons.

Pruning, training & propagation

 
Pruning: Pinch tips regularly to prevent legginess and promote branching; replant tips to refill gaps.
 
Training: Loop stems back into the pot or guide along a hoop for dense coverage.
 
Propagation: Single-node stem cuttings root rapidly in water or directly in moist substrate; high success in warm conditions.

Science-backed notes

 
Leaf optics: Silvery bands arise from reflective epidermal layers that scatter light, creating a metallic sheen.
 
Dorsiventral anatomy: Upper and lower leaf surfaces differ in pigment and texture; purple abaxial side is characteristic of T. zebrina.
 
Flowering: Small, three-petaled pink-purple flowers can appear in strong light; ornamental value is minor relative to foliage.

Common issues and fixes

 
Fading colour: Usually insufficient light; move closer to a bright window with filtered sun.
 
Yellowing leaves: Often overwatering or compacted media; improve drainage and let the top layer dry between waterings.
 
Leggy stems: Normal with age or low light; cut back hard and replant tips to rejuvenate.
 
Pests: Monitor for spider mites and aphids; treat early with targeted measures (e.g., insecticidal soap).

Frequently asked questions about Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’

 
How fast does it grow indoors? Under bright, indirect light and regular pinching, new nodes form quickly and pots fill within weeks.
 
Can it live outdoors? Suitable outdoors in frost-free, warm climates; in temperate regions grow indoors or outdoors only in summer.
 
Why are leaf undersides purple? Anthocyanin pigments accumulate on the abaxial surface, a diagnostic trait in this species.
 
Does frequent pruning harm the plant? No; pruning stimulates branching and denser growth.
 
How do I keep baskets full long-term? Refresh by re-rooting tip cuttings every few months to replace older, woody bases.

Safety and handling
Plant sap may irritate sensitive skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth; wash hands after pruning. Keep out of reach of pets and children.
Bring home Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’
Add vivid stripes and fast, trailing growth to your setup with Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’ (‘Purple Joy’). Order now for a low-maintenance, high-impact accent that stays colourful with straightforward care.