Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca): Velvety Purple Foliage That's a "Fainter"

Botanical Name: Gynura aurantiaca

Purple Passion Plant is known for finely serrated green leaves densely covered in purple hairs, giving an iridescent, velvety sheen. Undersides and stems are also hairy.

Pinch off yellow-orange spring flowers—they're ugly and foul-smelling. Plants often flower after a year, then decline. Propagate cuttings to replace it. Fast-growing—you'll have a lush new plant quickly.

Care Essentials

• Light: Bright indirect light enhances purple color. Green leaves = needs more sun. Avoid harsh direct sun (scorches leaves).
• Pinch back: Pinch stem tips for bushier growth. Root the cuttings!
• Water: "Fainter" if soil dries out—revives quickly with thorough watering. Keep evenly moist growing season; slightly drier in winter. Avoid water on leaves (damages hairs).

Purple Passion Plant Care Quick Reference

• Origin: Indonesia
• Height: Upright to 2 ft (60 cm); trailing to 4 ft (1.2 m)
• Light: Bright indirect. Some morning sun OK; avoid strong summer sun.
• Water: Evenly moist spring–fall. Barely moist winter. No water on leaves.
• Humidity: Moderate to high. Below 50% RH? Use pebble tray/humidifier. Don't mist—hairs trap moisture, causing rot.
• Temperature: 60–75°F (16–24°C)
• Soil: Peat moss-based mix
• Fertilizer: Every 2 weeks spring–fall with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Monthly winter.
• Propagation: 3–4 inch (7.5–10 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring/early summer. Cut below node, dip in rooting hormone, plant in moist peat/perlite. Enclose in plastic bag/cloche for 2 weeks.