Purple Passion Plant Plant Care
Nothovernonia purpurea (Sch.Bip. ex Walp.) H.Rob. & V.A.Funk
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking purple foliage that stands out in any garden, this plant originates from the tropical regions of South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Nothovernonia purpurea for its unique color, making it a coveted addition to any collection of exotic plants.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Purple Passion Plant?
Water Purple Passion Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Purple Passion Plant?
Purple Passion Plant (Nothovernonia purpurea) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Nothovernonia genus. Purple Passion Plant is native to Indonesia, Malaysia. Purple Passion Plant is also known as Gynura aurantiaca.
Purple Passion Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Purple Passion Plant produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Purple Passion Plant?
Nothovernonia purpurea requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Purple Passion Plant Need?
Purple Passion Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Purple Passion Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Purple Passion Plant Prefer?
Nothovernonia purpurea grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Purple Passion Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Purple Passion Plant?
Well-draining soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Purple Passion Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Purple Passion Plant?
Feed Purple Passion Plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Purple Passion Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Purple Passion Plant?
Purple Passion Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false african violet plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Purple Passion Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Purple Passion Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Purple Passion Plant?
Purple Passion Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Purple Passion Plant Need?
Purple Passion Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Purple Passion Plant is native to Indonesia, Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Purple Passion Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Purple Passion Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Nothovernonia genus — compare its care with other Nothovernonia species on PlantoScan.
Nothovernonia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Purple Passion Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nothovernonia purpurea (Sch.Bip. ex Walp.) H.Rob. & V.A.Funk, family Asteraceae (first published in PhytoKeys 3: 28 (2011)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Purple Passion Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Purple Passion Plant Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species