Light:

Full sun (a southern exposure) is necessary for optimum growth and flowering.  If flowers fail to open, it is usually due to insufficient light.

Temperature:

Maintain a minimum temperature of 60 degrees.  Warm temperatures above 65 degrees will keep it growing and flowering through the shorter days of the year.  Some varieties will tolerate cooler temperatures.

Humidity:

Preferably 50% or higher; however, they will tolerate low levels with no harm.

Watering:

Bring the soil to a state of visual dryness between waterings.

Fertilizer:

Fertilize once a month with ½ tsp./gallon of a soluble fertilizer.  If leaves become uniformly pale, increase frequency to every 2 weeks.  Over-fertilization of Passifloras reduces flowering.

Pruning:

When growth is excessive, prune back vining growth.  Hard pruning is tolerated with ease.  Remember that flowers form on young growth, so pruning will discourage blooming for a short time.

Passifloras have the greatest susceptibility to spider mites.  Attention needs to be given to signs of infestation, which begin as small light spots the size of a pinprick appearing on the leaf.  The mites are small and      are found on the undersides of the leaves.  A magnifier may be needed to see them.  Plants that have been summered outside often come in with residual populations. Spray 2 applications, 1 week apart, of pure Neem Oil diluted 1-1/2 teaspoons to the quart of water to which a dribble of dishwashing liquid is added.

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