The Purple Passion Plant, or Gynura aurantiaca, is a unique and striking houseplant that is well-known for its vibrant purple foliage. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for this beautiful plant.
Table of Contents
Identification and Properties
- The Purple Passion Plant has textured green leaves that are ovate, with serrated edges, and covered with fine purple to reddish hairs. Young leaves have the most apparent coloring, while the leaf undersides are completely green.
- The plant has a low-lying or vining habit depending on where it is grown, and can grow 2 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide.
- When the plant is at full maturity, it blooms spindly orange aster flowers that have an interesting texture.
- The plant is native to Java and other regions of Southeast Asia.
- It comes in two varieties: the Gynura aurantiaca and the Gynura sarmentosa.
- The plant prefers moderate to bright indirect light.
- Overwatering should be avoided, and the plant should be watered only when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
- The plant prefers average indoor temperatures of 60-75°F.
- It also prefers a fairly humid environment.
- The plant is non-toxic for pets and humans.
| Property | Description |
| Common name | Purple Passion Plant, purple velvet plant |
| Scientific name | Gynura aurantiaca |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Light requirements | Moderate to bright indirect light |
| Water requirements | Allow 25% of the soil volume to dry before watering |
| Temperature requirements | Average indoor temperatures of 60-75°F |
| Humidity requirements | Fairly humid environment |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic for pets and humans |
Light Requirements
- The Purple Passion Plant prefers moderate to bright indirect light. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause the leaves to burn.
Water Requirements
- Overwatering is a big no-no for the Purple Passion Plant. It is recommended to water the plant only when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Allow 25% of the soil volume to dry before watering.
- It is important to ensure that the pot has proper drainage to allow excess water to escape.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements:
- The Purple Passion Plant prefers average indoor temperatures of 60-75°F. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to extreme temperatures, such as drafts or cold air from air conditioning units.
- The plant also prefers a fairly humid environment. It can benefit from occasional misting or being placed on a pebble tray to increase humidity levels.
Propagation
- The roots of Purple Passion Plants are relatively shallow, but they readily grow from cuttings. In the wild, sections of the plant fall to the ground and root easily, especially in spring and summer. Therefore, home propagation is easy.
Purple Passion Plant Care
Learn about purple passion plant care in this article Troubleshooting Purple Passion Plant Wilting
Toxicity
- The Purple Passion Plant is non-toxic for pets and humans.
The Purple Passion Plant is a unique and vibrant houseplant that can add a pop of color to any indoor space. It prefers moderate to bright indirect light, a fairly humid environment, and average indoor temperatures of 60-75°F. Overwatering should be avoided, and the plant should be watered only when the top inch or two of soil is not moist. Propagation is easy, and the plant is non-toxic for pets and humans.
FAQ
What are the light requirements for Purple Passion Plant?
Purple Passion Plant prefers moderate to bright indirect light. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause the leaves to burn.
How often should I water my Purple Passion Plant?
- Overwatering should be avoided, and the plant should be watered only when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Allow 25% of the soil volume to dry before watering.
What is the scientific name of the Purple Passion Plant?
- The scientific name of the Purple Passion Plant is Gynura aurantiaca.
Is the Purple Passion Plant toxic to pets?
- No, the Purple Passion Plant is non-toxic for pets and humans.
How do I propagate the Purple Passion Plant?
- The roots of Purple Passion Plants are relatively shallow, but they readily grow from cuttings. In the wild, sections of the plant fall to the ground and root easily, especially in spring and summer. Therefore, home propagation is easy.
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