Passiflora MIXTA

Passiflora MIXTA - Mixed passionflower, curuba de monte, Passiflora mixta.

Passiflora is a genus of tendril-bearing climbing plants in the passionflower family (Passifloraceae), growing in tropical and subtropical climates of Australia, Asia, the Americas - particularly Peru and Brazil - the Mediterranean, with one species native to Madagascar. The genus includes about 500 species of visually unique plants. There are annual and perennial varieties, growing as herbaceous plants or evergreen climbing woody shrubs and vines, with dissected pinnate or simple fleshy dark green leaves up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long that can change shape as they mature. In most species, petioles and leaf blades carry specifically located glands that secrete a liquid, serving in nature to attract ants that protect the plant against caterpillars. Simple unbranched tendrils emerge from leaf axils, reaching toward support on their own. The stems of the plant become woody as they grow.

Each species bears handsome, solitary, axillary, fragrant, star-shaped flowers on long pedicels. Large blossoms up to 10-12 cm (3.9-4.7 in) in diameter consist of five petals and five sepals with large bracts, framing an ovary of three stigmas surrounded by five stamens with fairly noticeable anthers. Between the stamens and perianths lie filaments brightly colored to form a violet-blue corona. Less commonly, varieties occur with red, white, purple, pink, and green flowers. Flowering can be observed from July to October. In tropical America, hummingbirds pollinate the flowers; under other conditions, this process is done by hand. After flowering, Passiflora forms berry fruits up to 6 cm (2.4 in) long containing black seeds. The edible, pleasantly tart, fragrant fruits of passion fruit and granadilla are widely known. Unripe fruits of all Passiflora species contain cyanides.

Passiflora mixta is an evergreen woody vine up to 6 m (20 ft) long native to South America, with dark green leaves featuring dissected margins and pink-red flowers with a purple corona, producing large edible fruits. It is one of the few passionflowers relatively tolerant of cold and light frosts down to -5 °C (23 °F).

Seeds are scarified beforehand (lightly rubbed with sandpaper), soaked in hot water for 24 hours, and sown into a prepared mixture of equal parts sod soil, peat, humus, and sand without burying deeply. They are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with glass or film, and germinated in the light at a temperature of 22-25 °C (72-77 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and desiccation of the sowings must be avoided. Seeds germinate from 2 weeks to 6 months, sometimes up to 9 months. The cover is removed after seedlings emerge. Seedlings are pricked out into individual pots after a pair of true leaves appears.

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Passiflora is very popular among flower growers due to its lack of fussiness and rapid growth. It prefers bright lighting; however, during midday summer hours, it is better to shade the plant from direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. On southern windows it demonstrates maximum flowering, grows wonderfully on western and eastern ones, while on windowsills of northern windows and in light shade it grows but flowers quite poorly. It can be moved outdoors during the warm season. In the winter period, supplemental lighting with lamps is desirable. It requires a constant supply of fresh air, but cannot tolerate drafts. In summer, a comfortable temperature is 20-25 °C (68-77 °F); in heat exceeding 30 °C (86 °F), the plant quickly loses its ornamental value, yellows, dries up, and flowers very poorly. In winter during dormancy, it needs a cool rest at a temperature of 10-15 °C (50-59 °F); without these conditions provided, it may lose its leaves and even perish.

Watering should be systematic and generous from early spring to late autumn. The soil should always remain moist without waiting for it to dry out, nor should standing water in the tray be permitted. In winter, watering is reduced to 3-4 times per month. During the summer period, it requires daily misting with soft water. It is important that direct sunlight does not hit the plant during misting to avoid burns, so it is better to carry out the procedure in the evening. A warm shower can also be arranged very carefully once every 7-10 days without damaging the fragile stems. With insufficient air humidity, the appearance of red spider mites and bud drop are possible.

During the spring-summer period of vigorous growth, Passiflora is fed every two weeks, alternating between organic and mineral fertilizers for indoor flowering plants at half strength. The optimal ratio of elements in the fertilizer is: 4 parts potassium, 2 parts nitrogen, and 1 part phosphorus. The soil must always be moistened prior to feeding. Applying a foliar feeding once every month and a half is also recommended. In winter and in unfamiliar conditions for the plant, fertilizer should not be applied.

Repotting of a young plant is carried out every year in spring, and for an adult plant once every 2-3 years. It is recommended to increase the container size only slightly, because the more room given to the roots, the longer and lusher the vine will be, but the scarcer the flowering. A mixture of equal parts sod soil, leaf mould, peat, and sand is used as potting soil. It is best to pot on the plant into the new container without disturbing the root ball. During repotting, pruning is performed, watering is decreased, and misting is halted.

The shoots must be provided with sturdy support and their growth direction guided in a timely manner, as they grow quickly and lignify just as rapidly. In the first year, Passiflora builds primary stems, forming the framework of the future vine. Flowers appear only on young shoots, so starting from 3 years of age, annual spring pruning of young growth at the base of the plant and 1/3 of secondary branches remaining from the previous year that have become bare is recommended. After flowering and fruiting, main branches are shortened by 3/4 of their length, and bare secondary branches are removed completely. It is important not to prune down to the level of the main stem; it is necessary to leave 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 in) of shoot. Pruning should be carried out gradually, in several passes; this way, dieback of a large number of fine roots will not occur, and consequently the plant will not be exposed to root rot and the risk of perishing.