Passifloraceae
Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea)
Passiflora caerulea
An easy-to-grow plant that needs full sun or partial shade, regular watering without waterlogging, and well-draining soil. Tolerates moderate cold and grows rapidly with proper support.
Every 3 days
Bright indirect
-10° - 35°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Blue Passion Flower?
Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea) is a easy-care plant from the Passifloraceae family. Passiflora caerulea is a vigorous and hardy climbing vine native to South America. Famous for its exotic flowers with striking blue and white filaments, it is one of the most widely cultivated passion flower species in the world. A fast grower reaching up to 10 meters tall, it is perfect for coverin...
Blue Passion Flower grows up to 10.0m, with spread of 180cm, watering every 3 days, -10°C – 35°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water every 2-3 days in summer, allowing the top of the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Avoid waterlogging as it causes root rot.
Lighting
Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light per day for abundant flowering. Tolerates partial shade but flowers less. In very hot climates, protect from afternoon sun.
Ideal Soil
Use fertile, well-draining substrate mixing sand and peat. Ideal pH is 5.5 to 7.5. Keep soil moist but never waterlogged.
Recommended Pot
Large pots with good drainage and a climbing support. Terracotta pots are ideal for their porosity. Minimum 30cm diameter.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 15 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Blue Passion Flower
Passiflora caerulea is a vigorous and hardy climbing vine native to South America. Famous for its exotic flowers with striking blue and white filaments, it is one of the most widely cultivated passion flower species in the world. A fast grower reaching up to 10 meters tall, it is perfect for covering pergolas, walls, and trellises. It produces decorative orange fruits in autumn.
How to Propagate
Stem cutting
Use clean, sharp tools. Rooting occurs in 2-3 weeks with bottom heat.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem with 3 leaves in summer
- 2 Remove the lower leaves
- 3 Plant in a sand and peat mixture
- 4 Cover with plastic to maintain humidity
- 5 Keep in a warm, bright location
Materials needed:
Seeds
Fresh seeds germinate better. Be patient as germination can be irregular.
- 1 Soak seeds for 24 hours
- 2 Sow in spring at 18-22C
- 3 Keep substrate moist
- 4 Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks
- 5 Flowering begins in the second year
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
10.0m
Spread
1.8m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional use as a calming agent and anxiolytic
- Leaf tea used for insomnia
- Mild sedative properties
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes faith, spirituality, and the Passion of Christ. In South America, it represents resilience and natural beauty.
Fun Facts
The flowers of Passiflora caerulea were associated by Spanish missionaries with the Passion of Christ, giving rise to the common name
It is one of the most cold-hardy passionflowers, surviving temperatures down to -10C
Can grow up to 10 meters tall in ideal conditions
The orange fruits are edible but quite bland in taste
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water the Blue Passion Flower?
Is Passiflora caerulea toxic?
How do I propagate the Blue Passion Flower?
Can Passiflora caerulea grow indoors?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
