Purple Passion

The Purple Passion houseplant is a stunner with its soft velvet foliage and shades of purple veined throughout its jagged leaves.  In fact, the leaves have a covering of soft ‘hair’ that gives this plant its other descriptive nickname of the Velvet Plant, and it’s more formally known as the Gynura Aurantiaca.

With origins in Indonesia, this exotic tropical makes a show stopping houseplant best in hanging baskets or containers.  While it can be combined with other plants to make a gorgeous container for indoor gardening, its often used as a single specimen plant with its lovely purple color.  

Tips for Care

While the Purple Passion is actually a vine that can grow up to eight feet in length, the older leaves will have lost its purple colors by the time it reaches this length.  The Purple Passion vine looks best when kept trimmed to a neat three feet or less.  Pinch back the tips to make the plant more lush and full for the best look and to keep the foliage color fresh.

If a Purple Passion becomes leggy or has lost its shape, during its dormant winter months it can be sheared back for fuller growth during the next growing season. 

The Purple Passion plant loves bright light, but hot afternoon direct sunlight can fade and discolor the pretty purple color, so beware of direct lighting conditions.

Like many exotic tropicals, the Purple Passion loves humidity and moisture. The soil should not be allowed to dry out between waterings.  If the indoor conditions are not humid enough for this plant to thrive, place the container on a damp pebble tray to produce more humidity.  Misting also produces humidity which helps keep the plant happy and healthy.

While the Purple Passion does produce flowers, they are not as attractive as the foliage and they have an odd smell.  They can be pinched off by those who prefer it not to bloom.

While the Purple Passion plant is not known to be poisonous, it can cause reactions in pets if eaten, so like all houseplants, keep Fido away!

The Purple Passion adds a design element to any style of home decor:  from the kitchen to the living room

Bottom Line

The Purple Passion is a stunner and easy care for to boot.  Keep it watered and pinched back, and it will reward you with soft purple, elegant foliage for years to come.