There is no doubt that one of the most exotic fruits we can consume is passion fruit. It comes from the passion fruit, the care of which is quite easy to provide, and in exchange, 6 months later, he offers us a first harvest.
But what do you know about this plant? What are these worries? If you want to know to think about whether to put it on or not, here we tell you all about it.
Contents
How is the passion fruit plant
Passion fruit, passion fruit, passion fruit, passion fruit, passion flower, passion fruit… The truth is that the passion fruit plant has many names. It’s a vine, which develops a fairly strong stem, although by no means is it usually straight. It has smooth, dark green evergreen leaves. he can reach 9 meters in height, but for that you have to give it a support because not having it would fall to the ground. This is why it almost always grows more in width than in length.
The most striking thing about this plant are its flowers, very different from what you may have experienced since they range between white, purple and yellow, with several different layers that come together to form a very characteristic flower.
He is native to South America although today it can be easily grown in Spain. Indeed, you do not need a lot of space for it to develop and in about 6 months it will offer the first fruits.
This, yes, its life is only 10 years. Beyond those who usually die.
Passion fruit: important care
Now that you know a little more about the passion fruit, its maintenance will no longer be a problem for you. We start from the principle that This plant is very hardy and adapts well to almost anything you supply it with.
In addition, it is easy to obtain because it usually comes in supermarkets and in nurseries, from March they can have it for sale.
Focused on care, these are:
Flash
Passion fruit needs lots of sun. At least 12 hours a day. And that’s because it likes to be in the sun, especially direct sun, that’s how it will grow the most.
Also, it doesn’t like water very much, and it can die if you plant it in a climate where it rains a lot, because it’s as if it gets depressed and lets itself die. So, if you live in a hot climate and where it doesn’t rain much, it will surely be a perfect fit.
Temperature
If you wanted to give this passion fruit plant the perfect temperature, then they should be oscillated between 25 and 30 degrees. Below it can withstand a few degrees less, just like above.
But you must provide it with protective care during the winter because it cannot stand them, nor tolerate frost, so it must be placed in a place with a temperate or warm climate and use thermal covers for cultivation and plastic for cover it from winter.
Substrate
The soil, whether you are going to put it in the garden or want to have it in a pot, must always have good drainage. loves humidityalthough we tell you that he generally adapts to what is given to him.
However, if what you want is to provide him with good quality land and that is his ideal, bet on those that are slightly acidic and with a neutral pH. Also add some drainage (perlite, vermiculite…) and some manure. With this you will be happy.
What you need to keep in mind is that this plant is going to need a stake, that is, a trellis or wires at the top for its branches to tangle and the plant to grow. This means that wherever you place it, in about 4 months you won’t be able to move it except by cutting off any sockets the plant has established in the area. Also, if you don’t want to do this, know that if the plant touches the ground, it will eventually die.
Irrigation
Irrigation of the passion fruit plant is one of the rarest. Yes, he loves water, and experts talk about keeping the soil moist, but the truth is, he doesn’t like it that much. If you give him a little water several times, he will appreciate it much more. only if you only offer it once and too much.
It is therefore preferable to water it little but several times a week. Enough to maintain good hydration, the little extra.
In realityit is better to install a drip irrigation system rather than watering with a hose.
As for the humidity, he likes it, but it should not be abused either. The first years it is necessary to provide the usual care of an exotic plant; but little by little he adapts to the climate and becomes more permissive.
Pass
If you provide it with fertilizer, for example in autumn to support the summer, or in spring, to give it more energy in its floral and fruit development, it will thank you.
This plant needs organic compost, such as manure. But if there is none, bet on a liquid fertilizer for fruit plants which is generally useful.
Transplantation
If you have it in a jar, you will have to you transplant it every year into a larger pot because the plant will need space for its roots, especially as it grows. As it is caught by its branches, it can be difficult to manipulate it into another pot, which is why many choose to put it directly on the ground in the garden.
It is padding, so you can cover fences or walls in a few months and enjoy its flowers and fruits at the same time.
Cut
In order for the plant to be healthy, not have development or growth problems, and not invade other plants, you will need to prune it.
can only be done before it flowers or bears fruit. In these moments, do not touch it, it is better to wait for it to pass because the plant will lose energy healing the cuts and it will not achieve flowering or fruit.
Plagues and diseases
The truth is, there are a lot of them, and almost all of them are humidity related. That is why it is so important to take care of the irrigation and lighting of the passion fruit plant.
Between the pests that can endanger it, the main ones being red mites and thrips.
Among the diseases, the most common are those of rotting of the roots or of the plant itself and dieback.
You already know the maintenance of the passion fruit, do you dare to have it at home?