Purple passion plant care guide

The purple passion plant has green leaves covered in soft, purple hairs. In bright light, the whole plant glows purple. The leaves feel like velvet. Young plants grow upright, then sprawl and trail with age. It grows fast and roots from cuttings in a week or two.

Light

Give it bright indirect light. An east window is ideal. A few hours of soft morning sun makes the purple richer.

The purple hairs need light. In low light, new growth comes in greener and less fuzzy. Hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves.

Water

Water when the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer. In winter, it needs water less often.

Keep water off the leaves. Water caught in the fuzz can cause rot spots. Water at the soil, or bottom water. See how to bottom water houseplants step by step.

Soggy soil rots the stems. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use a well-draining houseplant mix.

Repot every year in spring, one size up, or start fresh from cuttings. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Average room air is fine. Keep it between 16 and 24°C (60 and 75°F), and above 13°C (55°F).

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

Flowers

It may bloom with small, orange flowers like dandelions. They smell bad. Most growers pinch off the buds. Flowering also means the plant is aging and may slow down.

Pruning

Pinch off stem tips often to keep it full. Each pinch makes two new stems below it.

The best purple is on young growth. Older plants get leggy and fade. Start fresh from cuttings every year or two.

Propagation

Cut a stem tip 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) long. Pull off the lower leaves. Root it in a glass of water or in moist mix. Roots form in one to two weeks. Plant several cuttings in one pot for a full plant.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Purple fades, leaves turn green	Not enough light, or an older plant
Long, bare stems	Age, or it needs pinching
Brown or mushy spots on leaves	Water sitting on the fuzzy leaves
Wilting	Thirst
Black, mushy stems at the soil	Root rot from too much water
Clusters of tiny green bugs	Aphids

Pests

Aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites are the most common pests. The fuzzy leaves hide them well. Check new growth and under the leaves. Dab mealybugs with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists purple velvet plant, Gynura aurantiaca, as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Varieties

• Gynura aurantiaca grows upright at first, then sprawls.
• Gynura aurantiaca ‘Purple Passion’ trails more. It is often sold for hanging pots.
• Variegated forms have pink and cream patches on the leaves. They need bright light to hold their color.