How to Grow and Care for Purple Passion Plants

How to Grow and Care for Purple Passion Plants Gynura aurantiaca

Aptly named, purple passion plant isn’t the type of houseplant that is likely to leave you feeling indifferent.

Its appearance is rather unusual, with furry purple leaves that have an iridescent glow when the light hits them at the right angle.

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Houseplants can attract us for a variety of different reasons. Maybe African violets remind you of a favorite grandmother or aunt.

Perhaps poinsettias have you thinking about cheery holiday times. Or more practically speaking, snake plants may evoke simple lines useful in minimalist decor.

And then there are those species that are just exuberantly sense-provoking. They almost seem to be begging to be touched. Or their colors are so intriguing that you just can’t stop looking at them.

Purple passion plants have both of those last attributes – a beguiling coloration, as well as soft, velvety foliage. And those are far from their only desirable features.

Yes, there’s more, but you’ll have to read along to find out!

Ready to learn more about this ravishing houseplant – as well as how to care for it?

Here’s what we’ll cover:

In case you’re experiencing any confusion that this is not the species you’re looking for, this article is about a species commonly grown as a houseplant – not to be confused with purple passionflower, a type of Passiflora that is grown outdoors for its delicious fruit!

Purple passion plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is an evergreen perennial loved for its violet tinged foliage.

When they are young, the plants have an upright growth habit, but once stems are longer,