As indicated by the name, Purple passion (Gynura aurantiaca) is a purple-colored beautiful flower that is different from the ones that we usually find in our garden. It is generally grown under sunlight but needs care as intense sunlight can cause flowers to dry up.
WHAT IS PURPLE PASSION?
Purple passion has been a household plant for more than 200 years. Purple passion is also called purple granadilla, maracuyá and velvet plant. Purple passion belongs to the Asteraceae family of plants. Purple passion is mostly found in moderately cold temperatures.
APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
Stems and stalks of flowers of Purple passion have small hair-like structures on them. Leaves also have dense, violet and purple hairs which gives leaves dark green colour and velvety appearance. Petals and sepals of Purple passion have crimped segments. Purple passion has a very soft appearance.
QUICK SUMMARY:
Botanical Plant name: Gynura aurantiaca.
Native to: Tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Care: Easy to care.
Size: 12 inches tall.
Common problems: Pests and root rot.
Toxicity: Considered non-toxic to both humans and pets.
Plant recommendation: other non-toxic plants include the Peperomia raindrop.
HOW TO CARE FOR PURPLE PASSION?
SUNLIGHT
The bright colour of the Purple passion plant is due to the light it receives. In order for it to grow well, this plant needs to be placed in an area where it can receive bright, indirect light. Absence of sunlight will result in the dull colour of the leaves. If the plant is placed in direct sunlight for a very long time it can burn the foliage of the plant.
WATERING
When watering this plant it is important to ensure that the excess water drains out of the pot. When the plant is not watered for a long time, the leaves will begin to fall off, so it is important to keep the soil moist and avoid it from getting dry. However, over watering is not recommended as it can damage the plant. Water the plant from the bottom avoiding the leaves. If the leaves come in contact with water for a long time it can cause rotting and will damage the plant.
HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE
The Purple passion plant requires moderate to high humidity levels to grow well. However, it can tolerate growing in areas that have low humidity levels. The ideal temperature for the plant to grow in is above 60° F.
During the time of winter, the plant should be moved indoors as it cannot tolerate frost.
CLEANING
The leaves of the Purple passion plant can be cleaned by washing the leaves gently. However, it is important to remove excess water and make sure that the leaves do not come in contact with water for a long period of time.
FERTILIZING & SOIL
Fertilize the Purple passion plant with a complete liquid fertilizer of half the strength in order for it to grow well. Fertilizing should be done throughout spring and summer.
The soil of the plant should be able to retain moisture but it should not be too soggy. Also, the soil should drain well.
REPOTTING
Purple passion is a fast-growing plant, so that it can outgrow its pot very quickly. Repotting should be done during the time of spring because it is the start of the new growing season. Repot the plant in a pot that is at least 2 inches bigger than the previous pot.
Plant recommendation: another popular plant to have is Donna Carmen from South east Asia.
HOW AND WHEN TO PRUNE PURPLE PASSION?
Remove the dull and dry leaves from the stem by pinching between finger and thumb. Prune Purple passion plant before it gets too bushy to give it a healthy look. Pruning also helps in the new healthy growth of the plant.
Pruning should be done by using cleaned scissors, secateurs, or hand pruners.
PROBLEMS WITH PURPLE PASSION:
Some of the problems with the Purple passion plant are as follows:
- Over watering is the major problem of the Purple passion as it can cause roots to rot and lead to plant decay.
- Another major problem is the fungal growth that results in fusarium wilt. This causes drying and then dying of leaves.
- The introduction of pests also contributes to damaging the Purple passion.
HOW TO PROPAGATE PURPLE PASSION?
Purple passion can be propagated by following these steps:
1- Take the healthy and free from fungus or disease cuttings from the plant.
2- Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting.
3- Take a pot and fill it with evenly moist soil.
4- Insert the stem cutting into the soil.
5- Again water the plant. But do not over-hydrate a plant.
COMMON FAQs:
- HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A PURPLE PASSION NEED?
Purple passion plants need moderately bright light.
- WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT PURPLE PASSION?
Purple passion has this one interesting quality of being upright when young, and as the plant matures, it spreads and becomes vine-like in appearance.
- ARE PURPLE PASSION GOOD INDOOR PLANTS?
Purple passion is a good indoor plant and grows efficiently where it gets moderate bright light.
- CAN A PURPLE PASSION IN LOW LIGHT?
Bright light increases the purple color of the Purple passion, which makes it really beautiful, but direct light can burn the plant. Purple passion can not grow efficiently in low light.
- IS THERE ANY NEED TO REGULARLY WATER THE PURPLE PASSION PLANT?
Purple passion plants grow really well with a regular supply of water.
- HOW LONG CAN PURPLE PASSION PLANTS GROW?
Purple passion plants grow up to 3 feet in height and are almost equally wide.
If your looking for a tall plant with strips then check out Calathea makoyana from Brazil.
SUMMARY:
Purple passion plant having the botanical name Gynura aurantiaca, is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Africa. Purple passion plant is a magnificent indoor plant because it is easy to care for and beautiful. Leaves of purple passion plants have dark purple hairs on the dark green base. The attractive colors and texture of the leaves may add tremendous beauty to your house or garden. Favorable conditions for Purple passion plants can be created by providing bright to moderate indirect sunlight, evenly moist soil, suitable cold temperatures, proper cleaning, fertilization, and repotting.
Purple passion plants can grow up to 12 inches in height. Purple passion plants can be damaged by under or over watering. Purple passion plants can be easily propagated by using the stem of the plant and inserting it in a pot having some seed starting soil.