Passiflora coriacea, commonly known as the wild sweet calabash or bat leaved passion flower, is a tropical vine with very distinct leaves in the shape of bats' wings. It also has purple oval or circle shaped fruit that are mainly ornamental. It is a fast-growing vine to several feet. Leaves are dark green and often with splotches of light-green. White-yellow flowers with the typically ornate Passiflora appearance form when weather is warm.
The bat-leaf passion flower is resistant to disease and typically not prone to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. The bat-leaf passion flower is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.
How to keep Passiflora Coriacea.
Light
Bat-leaf passion flower comes from open habitats, like sunny meadows and forest edges, which supply ample light. It thrives in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.
Water
The Bat-leaf passion flower needs regular moisture, particularly during germination. Once the plant is mature, water it twice a week if the rainfall in your garden is less than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per week. Be careful not to overwater, as too much moisture can damage the plant. If you're growing the plant in a container, keep in mind that the soil will dry out more quickly, so you may need to water it more often.
Temperature
The bat-leaf passion flower comes from tropical regions, where the weather is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high heat and humidity. It is sensitive to abrupt temperature shifts and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It typically does not tolerate cold and requires higher temperatures for growth. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Bat-leaf passion flower is in early spring, when it is coming out of dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and supports larger, more vibrant, longer-lasting flowers. It also helps transfer nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
The bat-leaf passion flower, known for its distinctive bat-shaped leaves, is a climbing plant. To maintain its health, prune it in early spring by removing dead or diseased stems and thinning out crowded branches to improve air circulation. Regularly trim any long vines to encourage new growth and more abundant flowering. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts, ensuring the plant remains healthy.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Passiflora
- Family
- Passifloraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 4.88 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White, Green
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Colombia, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru, Guyana, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama
Other names.
Reader questions.
What are the sun requirements for Bat-leaf passion flower?
The Bat-leaf passion flower, scientifically known as Passiflora coriacea, thrives under specific sunlight conditions. For a plant to flourish in a garden, it requires either 'Full sun' or 'Partial sun' exposure. 'Full sun' means the plant should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily, while 'Partial sun' denotes a requirement of about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's vital to observe the movement of sunlight across your garden throughout the day. This observation will help you identify the ideal spots that offer a harmonious balance of light and shade, ultimately ensuring the well-being and happiness of your Bat-leaf passion flower.
What is the common name of Passiflora coriacea?
The common name of Passiflora coriacea is Bat-leaf passion flower.
