Passiflora MIX

Passiflora is very popular among plant growers due to its unpretentious nature and rapid growth. It prefers bright lighting; however, during midday summer hours, it is best to shade the plant from direct sunlight to avoid burns. On south-facing windows, it displays maximum flowering; it grows splendidly on western and eastern sills, while on northern windowsills and in light shade it will grow but bloom very sparsely. It can be moved outdoors in the warm season. During winter, supplementary grow lamps are desirable. It requires a constant supply of fresh air but does not tolerate drafts. In summer, the 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 out, and blooms poorly. In winter during dormancy, it needs a cool rest at 10-15 °C (50-59 °F); without these conditions, it may lose its leaves or even perish.

Watering must be systematic and abundant from early spring until late autumn. The soil should remain consistently moist without waiting for it to dry out, though stagnant water in the tray must also be avoided. In winter, watering is reduced to 3-4 times per month. During summer, it needs daily misting with soft water. It is important that direct sunlight does not hit the plant while misting, to prevent leaf scorch, so the procedure is best performed in the evening. A gentle warm shower can also be given every 7-10 days, taking care not to damage fragile stems. Low air humidity may encourage red spider mites and cause flower buds to drop.

During the spring and summer period of vigorous growth, Passiflora is fed every two weeks, alternating organic and mineral fertilizers for indoor flowering plants at half the recommended dose. The optimal nutrient ratio is: 4 parts potassium, 2 parts nitrogen, and 1 part phosphorus. The soil must always be moistened prior to feeding. Applying foliar feeding every six weeks is also recommended. Do not fertilize the plant in winter or when it is under unaccustomed environmental conditions.

Repotting of young plants is performed annually in spring, while mature specimens are repotted once every 2-3 years. It is advisable to increase the container size only slightly, because more root space yields a longer and bushier vine at the expense of flowering. A potting soil composed of equal parts sod soil, leaf mold, peat, and sand is used. It is best to pot the plant on into the new container by transferring the root ball intact. Pruning is carried out during repotting, watering is temporarily reduced, and misting is suspended.

The shoots require sturdy support and prompt guiding, as they grow quickly and become woody just as fast. During the first year, Passiflora develops primary stems that form the backbone of the future vine. Flowers appear only on new growth; therefore, starting from three years of age, annual spring pruning of basal suckers and one-third of the bare secondary branches carried over from the previous year is recommended. After flowering and fruiting, main branches are shortened by three-quarters of their length, and bare secondary shoots are cut back completely. It is important not to prune flush with the main stem, leaving 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 in) of shoot. Pruning should be carried out gradually over several sessions; this prevents mass dieback of fine roots and reduces the risk of root rot and plant loss.