Blue Passion Flower / Common Passion Flower
Passiflora caerulea
description
Blue Passion Flower is a vigorous tendril climber producing intricate blue and white flowers.
benefits
- Fast-growing
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Blue Passion Flower
sunlight
In its South American habitat, blue passion flower climbs into open, sunny edges of woodland. Give it the brightest spot you have to encourage sturdy growth and flowers.
Bright indirect light
It can grow near an east-facing window or a very bright window with filtered midday sun, but will usually flower less than in direct sun.
Full sun
Best for flowering. Aim for about 6 hours of direct sun outdoors or at a south- or west-facing window. In very hot climates, protect it from intense late-afternoon sun.
watering
Keep the compost evenly moist while this fast-growing climber is in active growth, but never leave its roots sitting in water.
Spring and summer
In a sunny pot, water thoroughly about every 3-5 days, or when the top 2-3 cm of compost feels dry. Let excess drain away. Hot weather, small pots, and strong sun can make it thirsty sooner.
Autumn and winter
When growth slows in cooler, lower light conditions, water roughly every 1-2 weeks. Check deeper into the pot first: allow more of the compost to dry, but do not let the root ball become dust-dry.
Light, temperature, humidity, pot material, and root activity all change drying speed. Yellowing leaves with persistently wet compost usually mean it needs less water.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Native to warm, often humid parts of South America, Blue Passion Flower appreciates moderate humidity but is less fussy than many tropical houseplants. Average household air is usually fine, especially with good light and steady watering.
Acceptable range
It can manage drier air, but prolonged humidity below about 30% may cause crisp leaf edges, dry curling growth, or encourage spider mites. Keep air moving around dense foliage to reduce fungal problems.
- Use a small humidifier nearby during heated winter weather.
- Group plants together, or set the pot on a pebble tray kept below the pot base.
- Keep it away from radiators, heating vents, and hot dry drafts.
temperature
Active growth
Winter minimum
Native to subtropical South America, blue passion flower enjoys warm, bright summers but can rest in cooler conditions over winter. Keep potted plants above 5°C (41°F), especially as roots in containers chill faster than garden soil.
nutrition
March - September
Feed every 2-4 weeks while the vine is actively making new growth, using a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Stop feeding when growth slows in autumn and winter, then resume when fresh shoots appear.
Potassium
Potassium supports flowering and sturdy growth. A balanced feed is usually enough, but avoid high-nitrogen lawn-type fertilizers that can encourage leaves at the expense of blooms.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports its vigorous leafy growth. Feed lightly rather than often, especially if it is growing in a pot.
soil
Fertile, moisture-retentive, well-draining soil
Blue Passion Flower grows best with evenly moist roots but dislikes sitting in water. Use a good-quality potting mix loosened with perlite, grit, or fine bark, and add compost for nutrients.
pH 6,0 - 7,0
This is slightly acidic to neutral, a range most all-purpose potting mixes already provide. Avoid strongly alkaline soil and refresh the mix when it becomes compacted.