Photo: pbsgCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Water Lemon Plant Care
Passiflora laurifolia L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves that have a prominent wavy edge. Originating from Central and South America, Passiflora laurifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and unique growth habit. Its elegant appearance makes it a standout addition to any collection of tropical plants.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Lemon?
Water Water Lemon every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Water Lemon Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Water Lemon?
Water Lemon (Passiflora laurifolia) belongs to the Passifloraceae family within the Passiflora genus. Water Lemon is native to tropical Americas, and has spread to other parts of the world. Water Lemon is also known as Yellow Granadilla, Cora Cora, Sweet Calabash.
Water Lemon displays a vigorous climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Water Lemon produces unique, intricate, colorful flowers with a central crown-like structure.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Lemon?
Passiflora laurifolia 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 Water Lemon Need?
Water Lemon thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Lemon Prefer?
Passiflora laurifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Water Lemon 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 Water Lemon?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Good drainage is essential for Water Lemon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Lemon?
Feed Water Lemon every 4 months 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 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Water Lemon?
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 Water Lemon?
Water Lemon can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to passion fruit vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water Lemon Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Lemon, 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 Water Lemon?
Water Lemon 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.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Water Lemon Need?
Water Lemon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Water Lemon is native to tropical Americas, and has spread to other parts of the world. In cooler regions, grow Water Lemon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Water Lemon 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.
Passiflora is part of the Passifloraceae plant family — browse all Passifloraceae genera and species.
Water Lemon thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Passiflora Species
Other Passiflora species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Passiflora laurifolia L., family Passifloraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 956 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Lemon, 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.
- Photo: pbsg, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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.
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