The purple passion plant, or Gynura aurantiaca to give its botanical name, is an unusual and very attractive plant that has gained popularity because of its unique foliage. When young, the plant has soft, downy leaves with an almost velvety texture. Thick, deep purple hairs sprout from the green leaves, bringing a splash of bright color to your home. Its cascading growth habit makes it an attractive addition to an indoor hanging basket. Although most species take several years to reach their full glory, the short-lived purple passion flower is most dazzling in its youth. The plant’s brightest colors usually occur in the first two to three years of its life. After that, it becomes a little more discreet. In southern regions, the purple passion plant grows wild. In the rest of the world, it is preferably used as a houseplant. With proper care, the purple passion plant can live for 5 to 7 years. If you want to enjoy the amazing natural beauty of this unique plant, here’s what you need to know about growing and caring for the purple passion plant.
Careful with water
Like most plants, passionflower violets need the right amount of water to grow. Too much water is as bad as too little, so water as much as you need. The plant’s soil should be evenly moist, but you should not leave the plant in water. If the plant is wet, there is a chance of root rot. When you water the plant, do not use a watering can, as it can wet the leaves – instead, pour the water directly into the soil. As recommended by gardenguides.com, allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. As a guideline, water houseplants once a week from April to September. Water less often in winter: use the moisture in the soil as a safety net.
Location, Place
Purple passion flowers are exceptionally heat tolerant and thrive best in climates where the average temperature during the day is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit and does not drop below 55 degrees at night. If you are looking for an ideal location for a purple houseplant, look for one where the sunlight is very strong or filtered. The more light, the more flowers. Insufficient light can cause the leaves to remain green instead of their characteristic purple hue. The stems may also become long and elongated. To avoid burning the leaves, the plant should be kept away from the hot afternoon sun. An east-facing window is ideal. If you decide to grow the plant outside, find a location for the plant that is as close as possible to the optimal temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Although a plant grown outdoors will not survive the winter, it may come back to life in the spring with a few propagated shoots that have overwintered indoors. If the plant’s leaves begin to curl or turn brown, it is a sign that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Cut off the affected leaves and move the plant away from direct sunlight.
- pH control – Passionflower plants should be grown in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soil. The ideal pH range is 6.5 to 7.5. Check the pH of the soil and bring it into the optimum range if necessary.
- Don’t forget to fertilize – Purple passion plants are fairly easy to care for, but they do need some TLC from time to time. To keep the plant healthy, fertilize it every two weeks with a half-diluted commercial fertilizer for houseplants. Since growth slows down in winter, you can reduce the fertilization schedule to once a month.
- Prune regularly – Prune away excess growth regularly to prevent the plants from becoming immature. This not only creates a more beautiful shape, but also encourages the plant to produce new, colorful leaves.
- Cut the flowers – Once your plant is fully grown, it will begin to bloom. The small orange flowers it produces are attractive, but can emit a rather unpleasant odor. For this reason, most people prefer to cut the flowers off as soon as they mature. Since flowering is a sign that your plant is nearing the end of its life, it is also the ideal time to start harvesting cuttings for propagation.
- Beware of insects – Purple passionflower plants are a magnet for spider mites and small insects. Although spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, brown spots or bronze-colored leaves should be considered a warning sign. To treat spider mites, pull out the affected leaves and wash the plant thoroughly with a water hose.
Distribution of wetlands
Purple passion flowers can be very beautiful when young, but they have a very short life span. Once they are fully grown and begin to bloom, it is time to propagate them. As mydomaine.com notes, although the plants can be rooted in water, it is better to propagate them in soil because they tend to rot. Pruning should be done in the summer or spring. First, put seed starting mix in a small pot. Make a small hole in the center of the soil and water lightly. Next, cut a three-inch piece from the stem of the plant. Make sure the stem is healthy and has leaves. Cut off all the leaves at the bottom of the cut, leaving the top four leaves. Plant the cuttings in the hole you dug in the ground and stabilize them by pressing them lightly into the surrounding soil. Water the soil lightly. Place a clear plastic bag over the cuttings to create a moist environment. Make sure the plastic does not directly touch the leaves. Although cuttings need less sunlight than a mature plant, they need plenty of indirect light – an east-facing window is ideal. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Remove the plastic bag at regular intervals to allow the leaves to dry. When you notice signs of growth, it means the pruning is complete and you can now start caring for the plant as usual. According to gardenerdy.com (gardenerdy.com /how to care for a passionflower/), it usually takes about 3 weeks for the stems to take root.
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Frequently asked questions
How often do you water the purple passion plant?
5 SIMPLE STEPS FOR A HEALTHY PASSIONAL PLANT Be sure not to overwater this plant, give enough water to saturate the roots without causing root rot. Water about once a week, depending on sun exposure. Provide adequate moisture by spraying or using a humidifier!
Why is my purple passion plant dying?
Over or under watering your passionflower plant can be harmful and cause the plant to wilt. The soil should be evenly moist, but not wet. If you have overwatered your plant and it appears to be wilting, do not water it until the soil is dry to a depth of 2.5 inches. ….This can help the plant recover and get back on its feet.
How do you prune the purple passion plant?
Literally pinch the small leaves at the end of the stem between your finger and thumb. The plant will replace each end of the stem with a new pair of stems and the propagation of new branches will keep the plant bushy. Purple passionflower plants are happy under normal conditions. They like the soil in the pot to stay moist.
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