Tips for growing passionfruit

[RosieW]

I would really love to get a passionfruit going, but haven't had much success. I know they're heavy feeders so i prepared the soil thoroughly.

First one I planted about 7 years ago, died (I don't think it got enough sun). But the root stock is STILL popping up all over the place!

I tried again late last year - this time in its own garden bed in a sunny spot (to keep my dog out mainly) - again lots of compost, sheep manure. It died too.

The horticulturalist at Bunnings said it sounded like too much or too little water.  

I'd love to hear if others have had this happen to them too and any stories about what they do for happy healthy passionfruit.

[hanspet]

Thanks, Jacob. That seems sensible. But, shouldn't I also add some  Perlite? I noticed that this potting mix doesnt come with Perlite.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @hanspet,

Adding perlite isn’t a necessity, but it can help, especially if you're growing in a container. Perlite improves drainage and aeration, which can be beneficial if you're concerned about the mix staying too wet or compacting over time.

If you do want to mix some in, around 10–20% perlite by volume is a good guide. It’s all about ensuring the roots don’t sit in soggy soil, particularly during cooler months when passionfruit vines slow their growth and water use. 

Apart from the perlite, ensuring the pot has good drainage is essential.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[hanspet]

Thanks! Yes, the plan is to grow it on a pot, so I will try the perlite.

With the watering, is it safe to use something like this:

https://amzn.asia/d/5cV75sw

or is it better to have a fixed schedule like watering twice a week or so? I understand they are sensitive to overwatering, but also don’t want them to go dry. 

Thank you for any advice 

[JacobZ]

Hi @hanspet,

Products like the Holman Watermate 750mL Self Watering Tank are great if you are going on a short holiday and want to keep up the watering, but if you are going to be around, it is usually better to water them yourself so you can check and adjust how much you are watering based on what you see.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a set schedule when it comes to watering, as there are so many variables that can affect how your plants drink, such as temperature, wind, and shade levels. 

You will start to get a feel for how often your plants want water. It could be once a week, or maybe every 4 days. Just remember that this is not set in stone, as changes in the seasons, fruiting and growth will change the water needs of your plants.

The best approach is to check the soil for moisture before watering; if it is still moist, wait a day or two; if it is dry, water it deeply and check the soil again in a couple of days.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[hanspet]

I transplanted the two plants today and they didn’t look too good. Not sure what happened. They didn’t looked like this just this morning .

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @hanspet,

I wouldn't worry too much at this point. A plant's leaves will droop when it is stressed, which is going to happen when it is repotted.

Just make sure you give it plenty of water and keep an eye on it.

If it starts to look worse, please upload some photos so we can offer further recommendations.

Jacob

[hanspet]

Thanks, Jacob. 

after I transplanted and watered them they improved. But today one of the two plants if again with dropped leaves. Is it possible it’s too hot at this spot and they are getting heat stress? I can’t imagine the soil is dry after just one day, so I’m hesitant to water them again.

Thanks again for any advice,

karl

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @hanspet,

Stress is to be expected, but too much sun can exacerbate it and stress them out. It's worth giving them some shade during the hottest parts of the day until they get established in their new pots.

Dropped or wilting leaves during the heat of the day can be a protective response to reduce moisture loss. If they perk up again in the evening or early morning, that’s usually a sign that it’s temporary heat stress, not a lack of water.

You can check the soil's moisture content by sticking your finger in the top 5-10cm of soil. If it is still moist, hold off watering and check again the next day.

Just keep on monitoring them and keeping the water levels up, and they should be fine.

Jacob

[hanspet]

Hi, 

My two plants are now a month older, and still alive!, but I was wondering if I should take any precautions with the cold weather. Should I keep them indoors during the night? I have been sort of doing this, not every night, but I wonder if this is important.

Also, can anyone have a look at the leaves in these plants, do they look ok? Any advice if there seems to be something wrong?

Thanks,

K

[EricL]

Hello @hanspet 

You're absolutely on the right track by bringing your plants indoors during cold nights, especially now that we're heading into winter. Many plants, especially tropical or subtropical varieties, can suffer if temperatures drop below 10°C consistently, so giving them overnight protection indoors is a great idea and should be done regularly from now through early spring. If you're not always able to bring them inside, consider placing them in a sheltered outdoor position (like under a verandah or close to a wall) and covering them overnight with a Jacks Greenhouse Cover (special order product). It creates a mini-greenhouse effect and helps hold in warmth.

Looking at the leaves in your photo, it seems there are indeed signs of stress. The browning and curling around the leaf edges, especially the crispy tips, could point to a calcium deficiency, but it may also be related to fluctuating moisture levels, cold stress, or salt buildup in the soil if it's being watered with tap water frequently. Calcium deficiency often appears as distorted new growth and tip burn, especially in younger leaves, which does seem to be happening here. To address this, you might want to use Manutec 500g Trace Element Soluble Powder. It is a balanced blend of all trace elements in soluble form, Manutec's soluble powder supplies a quick fix of all trace element deficiencies in one application. 

Also, ensure your plant isn’t staying too wet or too dry. Brown edges can result from both overwatering and underwatering. Make sure your pot has good drainage and consider repotting with Scotts Osmocote 10L Indoor Plants Premium Potting Mix, also stocked at Bunnings. It's well-balanced and includes added fertiliser and moisture retention agents. 

Keeping a close eye on light levels is also important indoors—position the plant near a bright window without harsh direct sunlight, especially during winter. You're clearly doing your best, and your attentiveness shows—these plants are lucky to have you. Keep up the care, and you should see some fresh, healthy growth soon.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric