Purple Passion Plant Care Snapshot
Your Purple Passion deserves the best home-care routine.
Watering
Weekly
Light
Bright, indirect light
Growth rate
Moderate to fast
Care level
Beginner-friendly
Pet-Friendly
Non-toxic
Velvet Leaves & Orange Blooms
Purple Passion (Gynura aurantiaca) is best known for its soft, serrated leaves covered in a fine purple fuzz. Each leaf is edged in a brighter violet that deepens toward the center, giving the foliage a rich, layered look.
Young plants grow in a neat, upright clump, but over time their stems lengthen and spill over pots or hanging baskets, showing off a lush, trailing habit.
Occasional orange blooms add fleeting colorâbut after flowering, Purple Passion often dies back, so take cuttings first to preserve its lush foliage.
Purple Passion Plant Care & Growing Requirements
Start here for all you need to know about Purple Passion maintenanceâdiscover the foundational steps to keep it flourishing.
Watering Schedule
Purple Passion does best with a deep watering every 7â10 days. Let water run freely from the potâs drainage holes, then wait until the top 1â2 inches of soil dry out before you water again.
Quick Tips:
- Water until you see runoff to boost root health
- Let the top 1â2 inches of soil dry fully to prevent rot
- Use room-temperature, filtered or distilled water
- Water less often in winter when growth slows
- Empty any standing water from the saucer within 15 minutes
Light & Placement
Purple Passion thrives in bright, indirect lightâideally near an east- or west-facing window. Too much direct sun can scorch its leaves, while low light leads to leggy growth.
Quick Tips:
- Provide 4â6 hours of filtered sunlight daily
- Shield from harsh midday rays with sheer curtains
- Rotate the pot weekly for even growth
- Keep at least 2 ft away from cold drafts or heat vents
- Move closer to the window in winter to compensate for weaker light
Soil & Repotting
Purple Passion prefers a well-draining, peat-based potting mix enriched with perlite or sand to prevent waterlogging. Repot every 1â2 years in spring to refresh nutrients and accommodate growing roots.
Quick Tips:
- Use a lightweight mix: equal parts peat, perlite, and high-quality potting soil
- Choose a pot with drainage holes to avoid root rot
- Repot in spring when roots begin to circle the container
- Gently tease out bound roots and trim any damaged sections
- Top-dress with fresh soil rather than moving up more than one pot size to maintain stability
Humidity & Temperature
Purple Passion thrives in moderate to high humidity (50â60%) and temperatures between 65â80°F (18â27°C). Avoid sudden drafts or cold snaps, as they can stress the plant and trigger leaf drop.
Quick Tips:
- Maintain humidity by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water without submerging the roots
- Group plants together or use a room humidifier to boost local moisture levels
- Keep daytime temperatures between 65â80°F and nighttime no lower than 55°F
- Avoid placing near air conditioners, heaters, or drafty windows
- Monitor leaf tipsâbrowning can indicate low humidity or temperature fluctuations
Propagation
Purple Passion propagates easily from stem cuttings, making it simple to expand your collection or share with friends.
Quick Tips:
- Take 4â6-inch stem cuttings just below a leaf node, removing lower leaves
- Place cuttings in water or a well-draining potting mix; roots appear within 2â4 weeks
- Change water regularly to prevent rot, or keep soil evenly moist (not soggy)
- Use rooting hormone for faster root development (optional)
- Once roots are 1â2 inches long, transplant into a peat-based mix and keep humid until established
Fertilizer
Fertilizer needs for Purple Passion are modest but importantâfeed lightly during the growing season for vibrant foliage.
Quick Tips:
- Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at half strength every 4â6 weeks
- Switch to a bloom-boost formula (higher phosphorus) in spring to support leaf and flower development
- Always water your plant before fertilizing to prevent root burn
- Skip feeding in late fall and winter when growth naturally slows
- Flush the soil with plain water every 3 months to prevent salt buildup from fertilizers
Flower Care
Blooming in late spring to early summer, Purple Passionâs orange flowers can smell surprisingly pungentâthink fermented fruit or sweaty socks with a faint cheesy tang.
Quick Tips:
- Pinch off buds before they open to preserve lush foliage and prevent strong aromas
- Enjoy fully opened blooms outdoors only
- Propagate by taking stem cuttings as soon as you see flower clusters to start new, bud-free plants
Purple Passion Picture Gallery
Thatâs usually a light issue. If the deep purple color fades to green, your plant likely isnât getting enough bright, indirect light. Move it closer to a well-lit window (but keep it out of harsh sun).
Wilting can mean either overwatering or underwatering (classic plant drama). Check the soil: soggy? Lay off the watering. Bone-dry? Give it a drink.
Yes. The bright orange bloom looks cool but smells mustyâsome say like mildew, others say “old attic.” Youâre not imagining it. Many people remove the buds before they open.
Totally. Just pinch back the tips regularly and prune leggy stems. It helps redirect energy and keeps the plant looking lush and compact.
Good news: itâs non-toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. Still, not ideal as a snackâthose fuzzy leaves can cause tummy trouble if chewed.
Snip a stem with at least one node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil. Keep it warm and well-lit, and roots should pop out in 1â3 weeks. Easy peasy.
Conclusion
Purple Passion is a lovely addition to any indoor plant collection, despite its monocarpic nature. Its care routine is straightforward, making it easy to care for. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you can enjoy the lush, vibrant beauty of the Gynura aurantiaca in your home.
And if you’re looking for more colorful houseplants, make sure to give our list of houseplants with green and purple leaves a read. After all, your Purple Passion might feel lonely by itself, right?
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