There are a large group of plants know as "Wandering Jew" Most of the have similar growth habit, parallel veined leaves, and a three petaled flower. The Purple Wandering Jew has solid dark purple leaves with sparse white hairs. There are several names Purple Wandering Jew, Purple Heart, Purple Queen, and Tradescantia pallida. The old Latin names are Setcreasea pallida and Setcreasea purpurea. The later is the name that used when I was in high school. The habit is hanging or sprawling vine. The flower form in a cluster at the terminal end of a vine. They are three petaled in attractive lavender color. This plant is native to Mexico. It has been grown on a houseplant for many years. My grandmother kept several in her house.

Soil: I have grown in regular dirt from the yard to fancy potting soil mixes. It is very adaptive and will probably grown in any type of soil. If it is a dry mix you would have to water more often.

Light: Very bright is best to get the nice purple color. In dim light will become a green  or green with purple edges leaf. There is a green form of the plant but I think it is less attractive.

Fertilizer: This is more important if you are using one of the soilless mixes. A balanced (all the number equal) fertilizer constantly feed works great. If you are trying to encourage bloom the middle number should be higher. An example of a balanced fertilizer is Jack's Classic 20-20-20. Any fertilizer will work though.

Propagation: Cutting can either be placed directly in soil when they will root rapidly. It can also be rooted in water. When you plant a water rooted cutting most of the roots will die back. This is a great plant to give as gifts.

This plant makes an attractive hanging basket. The stem can be trimmed to encourage branching. I have seen stem grow four or five feet long. In a windy area they might break off on their own.

In more temperature area the plants in used as a ground cover. The plants might one to two feet height. They are a sight when in full bloom in the summer time. They seem to thrive in heat and can withstand being dry for a short time. If they are kept too dry the plant will sacrifice the older leaves. You will have bare stems to look at until it branches out again. I am living in Louisiana and see houses with these in the yard all the time.

I plan to post some picture in the near future. If you have any more questions or correction contact me. I will revise this guide as needed in the future.