Gynura - Purple passion plant

Gynura - Purple passion plant

£15.00
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Size

  • Gynura, often known as the Purple Passion Plant, is a striking houseplant loved for its velvety green leaves covered in vivid purple hairs.

  • Its unusual colouring makes it a real feature plant, adding texture and a splash of colour to a bright room.

  • As plant shop owners, we particularly recommend Gynura for plant lovers who enjoy something a little different from the usual leafy houseplants.

  • With the right balance of bright light, warmth and careful watering, Gynura can grow beautifully indoors.

  • It can also be encouraged to become bushier by regularly pinching out the growing tips.

Gynura Care Guide

Light

  • Place your Gynura somewhere with bright, indirect light.

  • A little gentle morning or evening sunshine can be beneficial, but avoid strong midday sunlight, which may scorch the leaves.

  • If the plant becomes stretched or loses some of its vibrant purple colouring, it may need a brighter position.

  • Rotate the pot occasionally to encourage even growth.

Watering

  • Water when the top 2–3 cm of compost feels dry.

  • Water thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the pot to drain fully.

  • Avoid allowing the plant to sit in water, as consistently soggy compost can lead to root problems.

  • Gynura generally prefers slightly more moisture than many drought-tolerant houseplants, so try not to let the compost become completely bone dry for long periods.

Humidity

  • Gynura appreciates moderate to high humidity, particularly in centrally heated homes.

  • Keep it away from very dry heat sources such as radiators.

  • A humidifier or a naturally humid room can help, provided there is good air circulation.

  • Avoid constantly wetting the leaves, as prolonged moisture on the foliage can encourage fungal problems.

Temperature

  • Keep your Gynura somewhere warm and draught-free.

  • A comfortable indoor temperature is ideal.

  • Protect it from cold draughts and temperatures below approximately 15°C.

Feeding

  • Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser during the spring and summer growing season.

  • Feeding approximately once a month is usually sufficient.

  • Reduce feeding during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.

Pruning

  • Gynura can become quite leggy as it grows.

  • Pinch out the growing tips regularly to encourage a fuller, bushier shape.

  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves with clean scissors.

  • Pruning also provides an opportunity to take healthy cuttings and propagate new plants.

Repotting

  • Repot in spring when the roots have filled the existing pot or the plant is drying out unusually quickly.

  • Choose a pot with good drainage and use a free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost.

  • Avoid moving the plant into an excessively large pot, as too much unused compost can remain wet for longer than the roots require.

Pet Safety

  • Gynura is generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but we still recommend keeping houseplants away from pets that like to chew on foliage.

  • Eating any unfamiliar plant material can potentially cause stomach upset, even when a plant is not considered toxic.

  • If your pet has eaten a significant amount of the plant or develops unusual symptoms, contact your vet for appropriate advice.

  • For households with particularly curious pets, placing Gynura somewhere inaccessible is the safest option.

Our Plant Shop Tips

  • Bright light = better colour: Good light helps maintain those gorgeous purple leaf hairs.

  • Don't overwater: Let the surface of the compost dry slightly before watering again.

  • Keep it bushy: Regularly pinch out the tips rather than allowing long, bare stems to develop.

  • Keep it warm: Protect it from cold windowsills and draughty areas.

  • Good drainage matters: Always use a pot with drainage holes.

  • Enjoy the foliage: Gynura is grown primarily for its wonderfully unusual purple foliage rather than its flowers.

Please note: Plant care requirements can vary with the season, temperature, light levels and conditions in your home. The guidance above is intended as a practical starting point rather than a guarantee of specific growth.