The Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is an indoor houseplant known for its vibrant foliage. Its dark green, serrated leaves are covered in fine violet hairs, creating a purple, velvety sheen. Its distinctive appearance makes it popular for adding color and texture to indoor spaces. Often grown in hanging baskets, its trailing habit enhances its visual appeal.
Purple Passion Plant Care
Light
Purple Passion Plants flourish in bright, indirect light, which maintains their purple coloration. Too much direct sunlight scorches leaves, fading the purple hue and leading to dry leaf tips. Insufficient light causes the plant to lose color and develop a leggy appearance. An east-facing window or a spot near a window with a sheer curtain provides filtered morning sun.
Watering
The Purple Passion Plant benefits from consistent soil moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season (spring through summer), but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again. Apply water directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the leaves, as foliage moisture can lead to leaf rot. During colder months, reduce watering as growth slows.
Soil and Potting
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix for Purple Passion Plants. This mix retains moisture while allowing water to drain. Adding perlite, vermiculite, or sand improves drainage. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 6.5 and 7.5. When potting, select a container with drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Purple Passion Plants thrive in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C). Avoid temperature fluctuations and drafts; keep them away from open windows, vents, or air conditioning units. While adaptable to average humidity, moderate to high levels (40-60%) contribute to their health and appearance. To increase humidity, place the pot on a pebble tray or use a room humidifier, but avoid misting the leaves directly.
Fertilizing
Regular fertilization benefits Purple Passion Plants during the growing season. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, half-strength, every two to four weeks. Reduce fertilizing to once a month or cease it during fall and winter when growth slows. Avoid over-fertilization, as it leads to nutrient burn.
Propagating Purple Passion
Propagate Purple Passion Plants using stem cuttings. Take 2 to 5-inch cuttings from growing stems during spring or summer. Cut below a leaf node, where roots emerge. Remove lower leaves, leaving a few at the top.
Root cuttings directly in moist, well-draining potting soil or in water. If planting in soil, apply rooting hormone to the cut end. Insert the cutting into the soil, burying the node, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag creates a humid environment. Roots develop within a few weeks.
Common Issues and Solutions
Purple Passion Plants experience issues related to environmental conditions. Leggy growth (long stems, sparse foliage) indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect light restores a more compact, bushy form. Fading purple leaf color signals inadequate light.
Wilting leaves indicate overwatering or underwatering. Soggy soil causes root rot, leading to yellowing leaves and a decline in plant health. Allowing the topsoil to dry between waterings and ensuring drainage prevents this. Conversely, dry leaf edges or droopiness suggest insufficient water or humidity. Consistent watering and increasing ambient humidity address these symptoms.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning maintains the plant’s bushy appearance and encourages new growth. Pinching back leggy stems promotes a fuller, more compact shape. This involves cutting the vines a few inches from the soil or above a leaf node.
Removing the small, burnt orange flowers is a beneficial maintenance practice. These flowers emit an unpleasant odor and signal the end of its life cycle. Promptly snipping off flower buds redirects energy towards foliage production and extends lifespan. Regular inspection during watering allows removal of faded, damaged, or yellowing leaves, contributing to its health and aesthetic.