Passiflora biflora

Natural range and habitat of Passiflora biflora

Passiflora biflora occurs naturally from Mexico through Central America into northern South America. In Costa Rica, it grows at forest edges and among vegetation regrowing after disturbance.

Caring for Passiflora biflora

• Space and support: This vine can extend quickly, so give it a trellis and enough room for long shoots. Guide loose stems with soft ties and shorten the longest shoots once the plant is growing strongly.
• Light: Bright light with some gentle direct sun supports flowering. Increase sun exposure gradually and provide light shade from intense midday sun behind glass.
• Water and compost: Use freely draining potting compost in a container with drainage holes. Water when the surface has dried and soak the rootball thoroughly. Empty the saucer or outer pot after the excess water has drained.
• Temperature: Keep the vine frost-free. When growth slows, aim for at least about 12–13°C; warmer room temperatures are also suitable.
• Humidity: Moderate to higher indoor humidity suits Passiflora biflora. A humidifier can help where heated air becomes very dry.
• Feeding: Feed on moist compost while new stems are extending, following the fertiliser label. Feed less often when growth slows.
• Repotting: Repot when roots form a tight circle around the rootball.
• Propagation: Short cuttings from healthy non-flowering shoots root readily. Cut just below a leaf joint and keep the cutting warm, bright and lightly moist in peat-free cutting compost.

Recognising and treating problems with Passiflora biflora

• Healthy stems grow but few paired flowers appear: The vine may need a brighter position. Increase the light gradually.
• The vine wilts while the compost is dry: Water shortage is the likely cause. Water the whole rootball thoroughly and let the excess drain.
• White waxy insects collect around leaf bases or stem joints: Check for mealybugs. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects and use a treatment labelled for mealybugs on ornamental plants if needed, repeating it only as directed on the label.
• Roots turn dark and soft: These signs can indicate root rot. Cut damaged roots back to firm healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rotten material and repot in fresh, freely draining potting mix.

Passiflora biflora is toxic to cats and dogs

• Keep this plant away from cats and dogs that may chew it.
• Chewing may cause mouth irritation, vomiting, stomach pain or weakness.
• Contact a veterinarian after pet ingestion. Seek medical advice if a person swallows the plant and becomes unwell.

Passiflora biflora: where the name comes from

Passiflora combines Latin passio, referring to the Passion of Christ, and flos, “flower”. Biflora means “two-flowered”, describing the species’ frequent paired flowers at a node.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Passiflora in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 955.

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck first described Passiflora biflora in 1789 in Encyclopédie, volume 3, page 36.