Purple Passion

What you'll need:

A pot with drainage holes (about 6-8 inches wide is good for starters)

Well-draining soil mix (a regular potting mix works fine, but adding some perlite or sand helps with drainage)

Watering can or spray bottle

• Purple Passion plant, either as a small seedling or cutting (you can find these at garden centers or online)
• A bright spot in your home that gets plenty of indirect sunlight

Choosing the right spot:

Purple Passion plants love bright light but don’t like direct sunlight. A north- or east-facing window is perfect. If your space only has strong afternoon sun, try filtering it with a sheer curtain to avoid burning the leaves.

Planting tips:

• If you're starting with a cutting, make sure it’s around 4-6 inches long with a few leaves.
• Use a clear glass of water or damp soil to root the cutting before planting it in its permanent pot.
• Keep the soil slightly moist until the roots develop, which usually takes 1-2 weeks.

When to start:

You can grow Purple Passion indoors year-round! It doesn’t mind normal indoor temperatures (around 65-75°F/18-24°C), so anytime is a good time to get started.

If using a cutting:

1. Fill a small pot with well-draining soil or place the cutting in a glass of water.
2. If using soil, bury the bottom half of the cutting and gently press the soil around it.
3. If using water, make sure no leaves are submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
4. Place the pot or glass in a warm, bright spot (but out of harsh sunlight).
5. Once the roots are about an inch long, transplant the cutting into its permanent pot.

If using a seedling:

1. Choose a pot that's slightly larger than the nursery pot your seedling came in.
2. Fill the new pot with soil, leaving enough room for the root ball.
3. Carefully remove the seedling from its original container and place it in the new pot.
4. Add more soil around the base of the plant and gently pat it down.
5. Water lightly to help settle the soil around the roots.

Planting tip:

Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Don’t bury the stem too deep, or it might rot!

Watering:

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Stick your finger in the soil – if it feels dry up to the first knuckle, it’s time to water.
• Water thoroughly until you see water coming out of the drainage holes, but don’t let the plant sit in standing water.
• In winter, reduce watering since the plant grows slower during colder months.

Light requirements:

• Bright, indirect light is best. Too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, making them lose their vibrant purple color.
• If your plant starts looking leggy or dull, it might need more light. Try moving it closer to a window.

Humidity:

• Purple Passion loves humidity! If your home is dry, especially in winter, mist the leaves with water every few days.
• You can also place a tray with pebbles and water under the pot to increase humidity around the plant.

Fertilizing:

• Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
• Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding.
• Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant isn’t growing as actively.

Pruning:

• Trim back any leggy or overly long stems to encourage bushier growth.
• Prune just above a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem) to promote new growth.
• Don’t throw away the cuttings – you can use them to propagate more plants!

While Purple Passion isn’t grown for fruit or flowers, you can “harvest” cuttings for propagation whenever you prune the plant!

How to take cuttings:

1. Use clean scissors to snip off a healthy stem, about 4-6 inches long.
2. Remove the lower leaves, leaving just a few at the top.
3. Place the cutting in water or directly in soil to root.
4. Once rooted, you can gift the new plant to friends or expand your own collection!

Tip: The more you prune and propagate, the fuller your plant will become. Regular trimming keeps it looking lush and vibrant.

Q: Why are my plant’s leaves losing their purple color?

A: This could be due to too much direct sunlight or not enough light. Try adjusting its position – move it closer to a window if it’s too dark, or add a sheer curtain if it’s getting too much sun.

Q: The leaves are wilting even though I water regularly. What’s wrong?

A: Overwatering might be the issue. Make sure the soil dries out slightly between waterings and that your pot has proper drainage. Soggy soil can lead to root rot, which causes wilting.

Q: My plant looks leggy and sparse. How do I fix it?

A: Leggy growth happens when the plant doesn’t get enough light. Move it to a brighter spot or provide supplemental light with a grow lamp. Regular pruning will also help it become bushier.

Q: Can Purple Passion survive in low light?

A: It can tolerate low light but won’t thrive. The colors will fade, and growth will slow down. Aim for bright, indirect light to keep it looking its best.

Q: Are the leaves safe to touch?

A: Yes, they’re safe to touch, but the tiny hairs on the leaves can sometimes cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands after handling houseplants.