How to Grow and Care for Purple Ivy Plant

The term “purple ivy plant” can be confusing, as it is a common name for several vining plants with purple foliage, not a single species. This guide will focus on the most popular plant known by this description: the Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca). We will cover its specific needs for successful indoor cultivation.

Identifying the Purple Ivy Plant

The definitive feature of the Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is the unique texture and color of its leaves. The green leaves are covered in a dense layer of soft, purple hairs, giving them a velvety feel and a vibrant purple shimmer. These leaves are ovate with coarsely-toothed edges and can grow up to eight inches long.

This plant has a sprawling, vining habit with weak, purple-haired stems, making it well-suited for hanging baskets. It can also produce small, orange-yellow flowers with an unpleasant odor, which leads many gardeners to pinch them off before they bloom.

It is important to distinguish this plant from the Tradescantia zebrina, or Inch Plant. The Inch Plant has smooth, non-hairy leaves with distinct stripes of silver, purple, and green, unlike the solid, velvety appearance of Gynura aurantiaca.

Purple Ivy Plant Care

Light

To keep the signature purple foliage vibrant, the plant requires bright, indirect sunlight. Direct afternoon sun can damage the leaves, while insufficient light will cause the purple hairs to fade, leaving the foliage looking more green. An ideal location is near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window.

Water

Consistent moisture is important, but overwatering is a risk that can lead to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. After watering, allow the pot to drain completely and ensure it does not sit in standing water. During the fall and winter, the plant’s growth slows and it will require less frequent watering.

Soil

The soil for a Purple Passion Plant must provide good drainage to prevent water from logging around the roots. A standard, high-quality indoor potting mix is sufficient, as these are formulated to retain some moisture while allowing excess water to pass through freely.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant thrives in average indoor temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is native to tropical regions and appreciates higher humidity levels than are found in many homes. To increase humidity, you can place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the bottom of the pot is not submerged, or use a room humidifier nearby.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, the plant benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every two to four weeks. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth is dormant.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Fading Color: The loss of the plant’s vibrant purple hue is a direct result of inadequate light. To solve this, move the plant to a location where it will receive more bright, indirect sunlight, and new growth should display the desired deep purple.
• Leggy Growth: Long, sparse stems are also linked to insufficient light, as the plant stretches to find a better light source. Prune the plant back to encourage it to branch out, resulting in a fuller, more compact shape.
• Yellowing Leaves: This is a symptom of overwatering, which can cause root rot. To remedy this, allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
• Pests: This plant can be susceptible to common pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves to catch an infestation early. Pests can be managed by wiping them off with a damp cloth or by treating the plant with insecticidal soap.

Propagating a Purple Ivy Plant

The Purple Passion Plant is easy to propagate from stem cuttings, a process best done during the spring or summer growing season. Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears is important for a healthy cut.

To take a cutting, select a healthy stem and cut a four- to six-inch section from its tip. Make the cut just below a leaf node (the small bump on the stem where a leaf grows). Gently remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving two or three at the top.

You have two options for rooting the cutting. One method is to place the cut end in a glass of water. Once roots are about an inch long, plant the cutting in soil. The alternative is to plant the cutting directly into a pot of moist potting mix, cover it with a plastic bag to create humidity, and place it in bright, indirect light.