Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca): Beautiful Foliage, Stinky Flowers

The purple passion plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is prized for its velvety, deep purple leaves. When it blooms, it produces small orange-yellow flowers that emit a strong, unpleasant odor often compared to dog feces. This scent attracts fly pollinators.

Management: Snip off flower buds as soon as they appear. This prevents the smell and redirects energy into lush foliage growth. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light; too little light reduces the purple coloration.

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide moderate humidity. Fertilize monthly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness.

It's a fast grower and easily propagated from stem cuttings in water or moist potting mix.