Passiflora complete data sheet

All the Passiflora They are a botanical genus of lianas that grow in the warm regions of Asia, Australia, and Oceania. You will probably know them better by their popular name, Flower of the Passion, which refers to the Passion of Christ since the first missionaries saw in their flowers the instruments that were used during the Passion.

They are very popular in gardens, and it is not for less: their flowers are very brightly colored, so they beautify any corner. Let's delve into the fascinating world of Passiflora to get to know them better.

Passiflora characteristics

These evergreen plants can grow up to 6-7 meters, as long as they are near a vertical surface where they can climb, since although they have tendrils, if they do not detect anything to grow through, they will develop at ground level, as if it were a creeping plant.

Its leaves are normally trilobed, that is, they are composed of three lobes, but there are species that have them whole. The flowers, which sprout in summer, are very showy, with colors ranging from white to red, passing through purple.. If all goes well and they are pollinated, the seeds will begin to ripen. Once they have finished the ripening process, they will be dark, blackish or brown in color, and will measure about 7mm.

The most popular species are:

• Passiflora caerulea: native to Brazil and Peru. It is known by the name of Pasionaria azul because of the color of its flowers. It is the most resistant to cold, supporting up to -10ºC if it is sheltered.
• Passiflora edulis: originally from Brazil. It is known by the name of passion fruit or granadilla, and produces edible fruits. Supports up to 5ºC.
• Passiflora quadrangularis: It is originally from Brazil, and unfortunately it does not support frost either. It grows in full sun, with temperatures between 17 and 30ºC. Produces edible fruits.

How are they cared for?

The Passiflora, although most are very sensitive to cold, if they live in the right climate they are not demanding plants, and even the P. caerulea it is a species that can be had without problems in temperate climates. If you would like to have one, follow our advice:

Location

They should preferably be placed outside, in semi-shade. But if there are frosts in your area, you can have them inside the home, in a room with plenty of natural light.

Irrigation

During the spring and summer months they have to be watered frequently, up to 3 times a week, while in autumn and winter a weekly watering will suffice. It is important to avoid waterlogging, as the roots could rot. When in doubt, it is always better check substrate moisture. To do this, you can do the following:

• Insert a thin wooden stick to the bottom. If it comes out with a lot of adherent soil, it is because it is humid and, therefore, it will not be necessary to water.
• If the plants are young, the pots can be taken once watered and again after a few days. You will notice that as the soil dries, it weighs much less. This will help you get an idea of ​​what it can weigh, and when you have to water.
• Use a soil moisture meter. It is very easy to use, because you just have to insert it and it will immediately tell you if the ground is dry or wet. But, yes, to be really useful, I recommend you introduce it again in other parts of the pot.

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During spring and summer you can fertilize with mineral or liquid organic fertilizers, following the indications specified on the package.

Pruning

After flowering up to 3 buds can be cut from the stems that have blossomed.

Passiflora problems

Although they are very resistant plants, they also have their enemies, which are the mealybugs, aphids and mites. All three can be prevented or treated with Neem oil or, if the plague is widespread, with 40% Dimethoate.

But also may have yellow leaves as a result of overwatering or lack of nutrients. In the first case, the waterings have to be spaced, and in the second, once they are fertilized, they can continue to grow normally, although the yellow leaves will not turn green, so you can remove them.

How do they reproduce?

You can have new specimens in two different ways: making cuttings or sowing their seeds in spring. Let's see how to proceed in each case:

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Once the seeds are purchased, it is highly recommended put them in a glass of water for 24 hours so that they hydrate and can germinate better. It is not an essential step, much less mandatory, but if we do it the germination percentage will be higher.

The next day will be sown in pots or in seedling trays putting a maximum of two seeds in each container or socket that we will have previously filled with universal growing substrate.

Finally, it will only be necessary to water now and every 2-3 days. This way, the seeds will begin to germinate after 2-4 weeks.

Cuttings

The fastest way to get new Passiflora is by cuttings with three leaves, cutting them with scissors and planting them in mixed sand and peat. Since humidity is important, you can cover the pots with plastic. This way they will not take more than 2-3 weeks to root.

Uses of Passiflora

These plants are used primarily for their incredible ornamental value. Its flowers make the room look more alive, more beautiful. But, of course, some species are also used for their delicious fruits, such as those of the P. edulis.

And by the way, did you know that there is one that is medicinal? It is the Passiflora incarnata, which serves as anxiolytic, sedative, antispasmodic y sleeping pill. It is, therefore, the best ally against stress, nerves and anxiety, since it also does not create dependency. Of course, all excesses are very harmful, so to avoid problems, you should know that You can make an infusion with 1 to 3 grams of dried leaves and drink three cups a day.

In the event that more than the recommended amount is drunk, the following symptoms may appear: dizziness, confusion and / or irregular coordination. If you are a woman, you cannot take it if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, nor while breastfeeding. What's more, you don't have to drink if you have to drive.

So far the Passiflora special. What do you think? 🙂