As a Passion Flower, I thrive in a place that reminds me of my native tropical and subtropical origins. Please place me where I can bask in at least four to six hours of direct, glorious sunlight each day. A south-facing window is my favorite spot indoors. While I adore the sun, I am not a fan of the cold. Temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) are my comfort zone. Anything below 50°F (10°C) makes me shiver, slows my growth, and can cause serious damage. If you live in a cooler climate, I am much happier living inside your warm home where I am protected from frost, which is my enemy.
My relationship with water is one of balance. I enjoy consistently moist soil, especially during my vigorous growing and flowering season in the spring and summer. Please check my soil regularly; when the top inch feels dry to your touch, it is time for a deep, satisfying drink. Water me thoroughly until you see it run out of my pot's drainage holes—this ensures my entire root system is hydrated. However, I despise having my roots sit in water. Soggy, waterlogged soil will suffocate my roots and lead to a fatal condition called root rot. In the winter, when my growth slows, I need much less water. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings to keep me healthy and dormant.
To produce my intricate and breathtaking flowers, I require a significant amount of energy. During my active growing season (spring and summer), please feed me every two to four weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Once my flower buds begin to form, switching to a fertilizer higher in potassium (the "K" in NPK ratios) will encourage more prolific and vibrant blooming. I will show my gratitude with a spectacular display. In the autumn and winter, I am resting. Please stop fertilizing me during this time, as I am not actively growing and the unused nutrients can harm my soil and roots.
In the wild, I am a vine, designed to climb towards the sun using my tendrils. I need a structure to support my growth habit. A small trellis, a moss pole, or even a set of wires for me to climb on will make me very happy. Gently guide my young stems towards the support, and I will quickly cling on and ascend. Providing me with this support not only keeps me looking tidy and prevents me from becoming a tangled mess but also allows for better air circulation around my leaves, which helps prevent disease. Regular, gentle pruning of any dead or overly long stems in early spring can also help me focus my energy on producing lush new growth and flowers.
