Maypop Plant Care
Passiflora incarnata L.
Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as maypop, purple passionflower, true passionflower, wild apricot, and wild passion vine, is a fast-growing perennial vine with climbing or trailing stems. A member of the passionflower genus Passiflora, the maypop has large, intricate flowers with prominent styles and stamens.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
What Is the Maypop?
Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) belongs to the Passifloraceae family within the Passiflora genus. Maypop is also known as Purple Passionflower, Wild Passionflower, Passionflower.
Maypop displays a vigorous climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 20 inches tall with a spread of approximately 10 inches. Maypop produces unique, intricate, colorful flowers with a central crown-like structure.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Maypop?
Passiflora incarnata requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Maypop Need?
Maypop thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 2000–5000 lux. Avoid placing Maypop in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
2000–5000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Maypop Prefer?
Passiflora incarnata grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Maypop prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Maypop?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Good drainage is essential for Maypop to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Maypop?
Repot annually in 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 Maypop?
Maypop can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blue passion flower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
Is the Maypop Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Maypop?
Maypop is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Maypop Need?
Maypop grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. In cooler regions, grow Maypop as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Maypop 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 Passiflora genus — compare its care with other Passiflora species on PlantoScan.
Maypop tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Passiflora Species
Other Passiflora species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences: