Purple Passion Plant
The Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is an evergreen, perennial, and shrubby plant grown for its vibrant purple and maroon foliage. A fast-growing species, it blooms small yellow flowers which have a slightly unpleasant smell. Native to Indonesia, it is a reliable and hardy plant whether grown in a container or outdoors. It is generally disease-free, but can suffer from pests. Even though it is drought-tolerant, the plant does best when given moderate temperatures and humidity.
Since the plant can tolerate droughts, it is recommended to water it once every 7-14 days, allowing the top soil to be slightly dry before. Overwatering your Purple Passion Plant can cause leggy stems and yellowing, wilting leaves, so be sure to keep it thoroughly but not overwatered. A balanced houseplant fertilizer can also help keep this plant looking healthy.
The Purple Passion Plant is a sun-loving species that will reward you with lush colors. While it will tolerate full to partial shade, it is best to give it bright, indirect light. Opt to keep your plant away from direct sunlight to prevent it from getting sunburned. On the other hand, make sure that it gets enough light otherwise the leaves will become yellow and might eventually die off.
The Purple Passion Plant can do well in temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C). When temperatures drop below 60°F (16°C), growth can be stunted and the leaves may fall off. It is also not advised to keep the temperatures higher than 75°F (24°C) on a permanent basis because this can cause a lot of stress on the plant.
This species likes high levels of humidity, so it’s best to place it in a humid environment. Mist it regularly with non-chlorinated water and use a pebble tray to help increase humidity around the plant. You can also use a humidifier or place an indoor water fountain near the plant for additional humidity.
The Purple Passion Plant prefers every type of soil but a well-draining potting mix is ideal. A soil mixture of peat, perlite, and vermiculite makes a great choice. Mixing in about 10 to 20 percent low-nutrient fertilizers is also recommended.
Fertilizing your plant will help it to stay in optimal shape and will encourage a more abundant root and leaf system. It's important to not over-fertilize as it can cause a ton of stress on the plant. Use a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus once a month in the growing season (spring to fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter and summer.
The Purple Passion Plant may be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. The outbreaks of these pests are usually caused by poor air circulation and not keeping the environment humid enough. Remove the pests manually, using a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol-based solution. Neem oil is also effective in getting rid of them. Regularly sweep the floor around the houseplant and prune off dead leaves and branches to prevent further infestations.
Repotting should be done during spring when the plant is starting its growing cycle. This species is a fast-grower and, as such, it might need to be repotted more often than other houseplants. Pay attention to the signs such as roots coming out from the pot or soil that looks depleted. Choose a wider and deeper pot to accommodate the new growth and use fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Pruning the Purple Passion Plant is important for the overall health and appearance of the plant. It is best to do at the start of the growing season. Gorgeous foliage can be left on the plants but any yellow, leggy, damaged, or lifeless foliage should be removed. Cut back the stems of the plant to the desired shape and size and you might have to pinch off some tips to encourage more branching.
Mulching with compost or organic material can keep the soil around the Purple Passion Plant constantly moist and helps to control weeds. This will help provide extra nutrients to the plant.
The Purple Passion Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. Choose healthy stems (with at least two complementary leaves) of about 6 inches length. Plant these cuttings in fresh, moist potting soil. Place the new plants away from direct sunlight and keep the soil moist until the cutting has taken root. You can also test to see if this takes by pulling gently but firmly at the stem.
As the plant is a fast-grower, it may need the extra support as the stems become top-heavy with foliage. A thin wooden stake or garden canes can be placed next to the stem for extra support.
The Purple Passion Plant does not need a strict rest period and keeps producing new foliage throughout the year. It’s best to keep the calendar of the growing cycle in mind and provide a bit of extra care during the winter months (November, December, January). Spend extra time to provide a lot of humidity and remain vigilant with the pest watch.
The Purple Passion Plant is not harmful or toxic to any pets.
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