Origin
The Tradescantia Jewel Red is a plant species from the Commelinaceae family. The species is native to North and South America, particularly Mexico and Argentina. The plant is named after John Tradescant, a 17th-century English botanist and gardener. Despite its exotic origin, the Tradescantia Jewel Red has spread worldwide and is popular as a houseplant.

Characteristics
The Tradescantia Jewel Red, also known as the Purple Heart, is a graceful, perennial houseplant. The plant is characterised by its long, pointed leaves that are red to purple in colour. In the spring and summer, the plant produces small, tri-flowered blooms that are typically pink, purple or white. The growth habit is often trailing or creeping, which makes this species ideal for hanging baskets or as ground cover in the garden.

Care
For healthy growth of the Tradescantia Jewel Red, adequate light is necessary, but direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf burn. Regular watering is crucial, but the plant can also survive drier periods. Overwatering, however, can lead to root rot, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. The plant tolerates a wide range of temperatures but is not hardy, and must be kept in a frost-free location during the winter months. For lush growth and blooming, the plant requires regular feeding.