Purple Passion Vine Gynura aurantiaca 'Purple Passion'

Water

The Purple Passion plant prefers a consistent watering schedule, generally requiring water once a week. It's crucial to water the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, signaling that moisture has reached deep into the root zone. However, avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. An approximate guideline would be to provide around 16 ounces of water for a standard 6-inch pot every week, adjusting based on the pot size and the indoor environment's humidity and temperature.

Light

Purple Passion plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. Position the plant in a spot where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to direct midday sun, which could potentially scorch the foliage. East- or west-facing windows are often ideal locations, offering suitable lighting conditions for optimal growth.

Temperature

Purple Passion plants enjoy warm temperatures and perform best when kept between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be protected from drafts and temperature extremes, with a minimum temperature not falling below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid cold damage.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for Purple Passion plants to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in the early spring before new growth begins, cutting back leggy stems to a set of leaves. Regularly remove any dead or yellowing leaves to promote the plant's health and aesthetic appeal.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Purple Passion is well-draining, peat-based potting soil with perlite or pumice to increase aeration. A suitable pH level for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.1 and 7.5. Rich organic matter can also be beneficial to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Repotting

Purple Passion should typically be repotted every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one to give the roots space to grow without being too spacious.

Humidity & Misting

Purple Passion prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. To maintain these conditions, you can use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray with water, or mist the plant regularly, being cautious of over-wetting the leaves.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Purple Passion in bright, indirect light, away from drafts, with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Grow in dappled sunlight, shield from harsh sun, ensure high humidity.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Purple passion, also known as velvet plant, begins its life cycle as a seed germinating in moist soil with warmth and light. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling with characteristic fuzzy purple leaves and begins photosynthesis. As the plant grows, it enters a vegetative stage, where stem elongation and leaf development are prominent, requiring consistent moisture and bright, indirect light to thrive. After reaching maturity, Purple passion may produce inconspicuous yellow-orange flowers if conditions are optimal, although flowering is rare in indoor environments. Following pollination, seeds may be produced, allowing for the potential propagation of new plants. If the flowers are not pollinated, the plant will continue to focus energy on vegetative growth until its life cycle ends, typically after a few years, since it is a short-lived perennial or biennial.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Purple Passion plant involves stem cuttings. To propagate, choose a healthy stem and cut a section approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring it has several leaves. Remove the lower leaves to expose a few nodes, which are the points on the stem where leaves attach, as these nodes will generate roots. The cutting should then be placed in either a glass of water or a moist potting mix. If using soil, a rooting hormone can be applied to the cut end to encourage root development, although this is not strictly necessary. Keep the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight and maintain consistent moisture without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, at which point the new Purple Passion plant can be transplanted into its own container.