Can You Root a Purple Passion Plant in Water?

Purple passion plant, also known as Gynura aurantiaca, is a tropical plant that is becoming increasingly popular among indoor gardeners. This plant is appreciated not only for its unique purple foliage but also for its ease of care. One of the questions that many people have when seeking to propagate this plant is whether rooting it in water is possible. In this article, we will answer this question and provide you with some useful tips on rooting your purple passion plant in water.

Requirements for Rooting a Purple Passion Plant

Before diving into the process of rooting your purple passion plant in water, it is important to understand what this plant needs for successful rooting. First, you need a healthy and mature purple passion plant from which you can take cuttings. Second, you need a container filled with clean water. This water should be room-temperature and preferably distilled water, because tap water can have impurities that may harm your plant. Finally, you need some rooting hormone, which can be purchased from most plant nurseries or online stores.

Steps for Rooting a Purple Passion Plant in Water

Now that you have your plant and materials ready, it is time to start rooting your purple passion plant in water. The following are the steps for successful rooting:

Step 1: Take Cuttings

The first step is to take cuttings from your purple passion plant. Cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant, where new growth is occurring. Ideally, your cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and have several leaves. Remove the bottom two leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top leaves. This will help to prevent the cutting from rotting in the water.

Step 2: Apply Rooting Hormone

Once you have taken your cuttings, it is time to apply rooting hormone to the bottom of the stem. This will stimulate the growth of roots. Dip the bottom of the cutting in the rooting hormone, and shake off any excess.

Step 3: Place the Cutting in Water

Next, insert the cutting into your container of water. The water should be deep enough to cover the bottom nodes of the cutting without submerging the leaves. Place the container in a warm, bright location, but not in direct sunlight.

Step 4: Change the Water Regularly

It is important to change the water in the container regularly, ideally every two to three days. This will prevent the growth of bacteria that may harm your cutting. Additionally, be sure to rinse off the cutting and apply fresh rooting hormone to the bottom of the stem each time you change the water.

Step 5: Wait for Your Purple Passion Plant to Root

After a few weeks, you should begin to see roots growing from the bottom of your cutting. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can carefully transfer your cutting to a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, and in six to eight weeks, you should have a new, fully rooted plant.

In Conclusion

Rooting a purple passion plant in water is possible and relatively easy, as long as you follow the steps outlined above. Remember to choose a healthy plant for your cuttings, use clean and distilled water, and apply rooting hormone to the bottom of the cutting. With patience and proper care, you can have a new, thriving purple passion plant to add to your collection.