8 Powerful Tips for a Thriving The Purple Passion Plant Indoors

The purple passion plant (Gynura aurantiaca), also known as the velvet plant or royal velvet plant, is a truly captivating indoor houseplant. Its most striking feature is its deep green foliage covered in soft, fine purple hairs, giving it a unique velvety texture and a vibrant purple sheen. This remarkable coloration makes the purple passion plant a favorite among plant enthusiasts looking to add a touch of unusual beauty to their indoor gardens. Understanding the specific needs of your purple passion plant is key to maintaining its stunning appearance and ensuring its long-term health. This article will explore eight powerful tips to help your purple passion plant thrive indoors, showcasing its velvety charm.

The Allure and Characteristics of the Purple Passion Plant

The purple passion plant is native to Southeast Asia and is celebrated for its distinct tactile and visual appeal. The velvety texture of its leaves, caused by the dense covering of purple hairs, is unlike many other houseplants, making it a fascinating plant to touch and observe.

The intensity of the purple coloration can vary depending on the amount of light the purple passion plant receives, with brighter indirect light typically resulting in richer, more vibrant hues. While primarily grown for its foliage, the purple passion plant can also produce small, orange-yellow flowers, although these are often removed due to their somewhat unpleasant scent.

The trailing nature of the purple passion plant makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or for cascading over the edges of shelves and pots, adding a dynamic element to your indoor plant display.

8 Powerful Tips for Indoor Purple Passion Plant Care

To keep your purple passion plant looking its best and thriving indoors, consider these eight essential care tips:

1. Bright Indirect Light is Key for a Vibrant Purple Passion Plant

The purple passion plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing your plant near an east or west-facing window where it receives gentle morning or afternoon sun is ideal. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, as this can scorch the delicate velvety leaves of your purple passion plant. Insufficient light will cause the vibrant purple coloration to fade, and the leaves may become more green and the plant leggy as it stretches to find more light. Observe the color of your purple passion plant; if it’s losing its intensity, try moving it to a brighter location.

2. Consistent Moisture with Good Drainage for Your Purple Passion Plant

The purple passion plant prefers consistently moist soil but is susceptible to root rot if left sitting in soggy conditions. Water your purple passion plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Overwatering is a common mistake that can quickly lead to the demise of your purple passion plant. During the active growing season (spring and summer), you may need to water more frequently than in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Adjust your watering schedule based on the season and the humidity levels in your home.

3. Maintain Moderate Temperatures for a Happy Purple Passion Plant

The purple passion plant prefers moderate indoor temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). Avoid placing your plant near cold drafts from windows or doors, as sudden temperature changes can stress the purple passion plant. While it can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in the winter, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant. Consistent, moderate temperatures will help your purple passion plant maintain its vibrant color and healthy growth.

4. Higher Humidity Levels Benefit Your Purple Passion Plant

As a native of tropical regions, the purple passion plant appreciates higher humidity levels. Dry indoor air, especially during winter, can cause the leaf edges to turn brown and crispy. Increase humidity around your purple passion plant by using a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or by misting the plant regularly with lukewarm water. Grouping your purple passion plant with other humidity-loving plants can also create a more favorable microclimate. Be cautious when misting, ensuring good air circulation to prevent fungal issues on the velvety leaves.

5. Choose a Well-Draining Potting Mix for Your Purple Passion Plant

Select a well-draining and lightweight potting mix for your purple passion plant. A standard houseplant mix amended with perlite or vermiculite will provide the necessary drainage and aeration for the roots. Avoid heavy, dense soils that retain too much moisture, as these can lead to root rot in your purple passion plant. Repot your purple passion plant in the spring every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound, using a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one.

6. Fertilize Sparingly During the Growing Season for Your Purple Passion Plant

The purple passion plant is not a heavy feeder. Fertilize sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and potentially burn the delicate roots of your purple passion plant. Reduce or stop fertilizing entirely during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

7. Pruning Encourages Bushier Growth in Your Purple Passion Plant

Pruning your purple passion plant is beneficial for maintaining a compact and bushy shape. Pinch back the tips of the trailing stems to encourage branching and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Regular light pruning will also help to remove any dead or yellowing leaves, keeping your purple passion plant looking its best. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the stems. Pruned cuttings can also be easily propagated to create new purple passion plants.

8. Be Aware of Potential Pests and Issues Affecting Your Purple Passion Plant

While generally a resilient plant, the purple passion plant can occasionally attract common indoor plant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of infestation, such as webbing, sticky residue, ¹ or small insects on the leaves and stems. Address any pest problems promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while insufficient light can cause the loss of vibrant purple color. Maintaining the correct care conditions is the best way to prevent most problems with your purple passion plant.  

Enjoying the Unique Beauty of Your Purple Passion Plant

The purple passion plant is a truly distinctive and rewarding houseplant to grow indoors. Its velvety purple foliage adds a unique texture and a splash of vibrant color to any indoor space. By following these eight powerful tips, you can ensure your purple passion plant thrives, showcasing its unusual beauty for years to come. Whether displayed in a hanging basket, cascading from a shelf, or as part of a mixed plant arrangement, the purple passion plant is sure to be a captivating and conversation-starting addition to your indoor garden.

FAQ

How do I take care of a purple passion plant?

The purple passion plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is a unique and attractive houseplant known for its striking, velvety leaves with purple hairs. To take care of a purple passion plant, ensure it receives bright, indirect light but not direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to become scorched.

Does purple passion like sun or shade?

In terms of sun or shade, purple passion plants prefer partial shade to full shade, especially in warmer climates. They can tolerate some morning sun, but direct afternoon sun should be avoided.

How long does a purple passion plant last?

The lifespan of a purple passion plant can vary depending on factors such as light, water, and fertilization. With proper care, a purple passion plant can last for several years, but it may need to be pruned regularly to maintain its appearance and promote healthy growth.

Is purple passion a hanging plant?

Purple passion plants can be grown as either upright plants or trained to cascade down, making them suitable for hanging baskets. They have a tendency to trail and spread, so providing support or pruning them regularly can help maintain a desired shape.