Question
QUESTION: I had a beautifully potted purple passion. I keep it in a bay window that gets quite a bit of sun. I kept it well watered. I stuck it out in the rain one day and it all but died. I pinched off everything that was dying and now it's just limping along. I've got two tall pieces, one that I've had to stake - or is it supposed to fall over? I've read a lot about putting them outside in hanging baskets. Would that help? I don't want to lose the plant...it was so beautiful.

ANSWER: Louise,

Purple passion plant is a vine that is why it makes a good hanging baset plant. There is great information at the following website: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/32342/purple_passion_plant.html

The Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is a trailing perennial which originated in Indonesia. It is only hardy in USDA zones 10-12, so it's primary use is in hanging baskets as a houseplant. The vines may grow to 8 feet long but will tend to lose their bright purple coloring if they reach this length so it is best to keep them trimmed to a length of 2 ft. or less. Pinching the growing tips will result in a much fuller plant.

Purple Passion Plants need bright light foor the brightest coloring but they must be protected from hot afternoon sun.

Keep the soil evenly moist. Do not allow it to sit in standing water or get too dry.

Feed every 2-3 weeks with half-strength house plant food when the plant shows active growth.

They prefer a slightly acidic soil mixture, so the addition of 50% peat moss to the potting mix is helpful.

Watering and light can be reduced slightly during the dormant winter months. During this dormant period, leggy plants can be cut back drastically to produce a much fuller plant the following spring.

Gynura aurantiaca (Purple Passion Plant) is easily propagated by 3-5 inch cuttings set in soil or vermiculite or perlite. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I appreciate the information. So, since I'm in Texas (I always forget the zone), I should keep the plant indoors? Also, I have never pinched a plant before...do I pinch off all the new buds in order to make a fuller plant? And should I remove the stake I put in to hold the plant up and let it drape over the side? Again, thank you so much.

Answer
Louise,

Remove the stake so the plant can vine. Let thee buds grow until the branches are at least 5 inches long the cut off 3 inches and use the part you cut off as cuttings. Remove the lower leaves on the cut ends and dip the cut end into rooting hormone and insert the cutting into the soil beside beside the parent plant. The cuttings will grow and the parent plant will pranch out more and send out more side shoots to become even fuller. Good luck.  

Darlene