The Encyclopedia of House Plants

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Setcreasea

Family: Commelinaceae.

Setcreasea purpurea Boom.
Setcreasea Genus of about 9 species from S. US (Texas) and Mexico. Setcreasea purpurea is a straggly plant which makes up for its untidiness by its attractive colour - a rich purple when grown in good light. The leaves are slightly hairy and pink flowers appear in spring and summer.
Growing conditions Watering and misting Propagation
Average warmth in summer - minimum 45F in winter. Brightly lit spot away from direct sunlight. Keep compost moist at all time. Reduce watering in winter. Misting is necessary. Take stem cuttings in spring or summer.

User-submitted additions and corrections:

arthurb3
Raleigh, NC, USA
28th Apr 2006 		The Purple Heart if a tough, hardy plant. It can survive winters up to zone 7, as well as, look perfectly happy through a 100 degree summer with no additional watering. Very easy to propagate through cutting just in water!
Leslie
NY
28th Feb 2007 		Ive had this plant for months without knowing what it is. It has grown like a weed, and has been propagated many times despite my ignorance of its preferred care. It was my first plant and has been the easiest to care for. I love it for its uniqueness and beautiful color. Now that Ive finally found it on this site, I look forward to many happy days with this hardy and interesting plant.
thasha
bronx, ny
1st Sep 2007 		wow, i got a cutting of this plant from my mom when she went to Jamaica! It's been doing well in water, and also potted.
Benita
USA
13th Nov 2009 		We have a huge purple heart setcreasea, which belonged to my husband's mother and must be at least 30 years old. Since we live in central NY, we keep it as a houseplant till early summer, then set it out on our deck, where it really takes off. I have broken off small branches and rooted them in water to make new plants for all the family. It is a very exotic and rewarding plant.
Kathleen
Alberta
5th Feb 2010 		I love, love, love this plant I sell it at my seasonal garden center in Edmonton. My customers really love it and when they see it for the first time they are in awe. The colour of the flowers in contrast to the folliage is amazing. One of the easiest plants to grow.
Sarah Hunt
USA
21st Oct 2010 		A friend gave me this beautiful plant and called it "Purple Passion". I have checked the Encyclopedia of House Plants and found that it is a (Setcreasea). All of the above comments are true, it is a wonderful plant and very beautiful and exotic. Easy to care for and grows quickly. I'm happy to know what I really have now and excited about sharing it with friends!! I understand one lady said hers was about 30 years old, wow, I hope mine lives that long!
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