The Purple Velvet Plant, known scientifically as Gynura aurantiaca, is a striking evergreen perennial known for its unique texture and vibrant coloration. This houseplant offers a distinct aesthetic appeal with its soft, plush surface. Its popularity stems from its relatively straightforward care and unique appearance.
Identifying the Purple Velvet Plant
The plant’s signature look comes from the fine, reddish-purple hairs, or trichomes, that densely cover the stems and the margins of the leaves. These hairs are responsible for the velvety texture and the intense purple sheen. The underlying leaves are deep green, but the overlay of trichomes creates an iridescent, plush violet appearance, especially when light catches the surface.
Native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly Java, Indonesia, Gynura aurantiaca naturally grows as a sprawling or trailing vine. The leaves are typically ovate or elliptic with coarsely-toothed margins. In a container setting, the stems initially grow upright before becoming decumbent and trailing. The plant’s deep purple coloration serves as an accurate indicator of its health and exposure to sufficient light.
Essential Care Requirements
To maintain the Purple Velvet Plant’s vibrant coloration, it requires bright, indirect light. Insufficient light causes the plant to lose its deep purple hue, resulting in greener foliage and stretched or “leggy” stems. Protect the plant from harsh, direct afternoon sunlight, which can easily scorch the delicate leaves.
Watering requires careful attention to balance consistent moisture with adequate drainage, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Water thoroughly once the top inch or two of soil has dried out completely. Avoid getting the fuzzy leaves wet, as the trichomes can trap moisture, leading to leaf spotting and fungal issues.
The plant thrives in a well-draining potting mixture, such as a standard mix amended with perlite or pumice for aeration. It prefers average room temperatures between 65 to 75°F and benefits from moderate to high humidity. Due to the fuzzy leaf texture, increase humidity using a pebble tray or a room humidifier rather than misting.
Propagation and Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain a dense, compact shape, as the plant naturally sprawls and becomes sparse. Trimming the growing tips encourages lateral branching, creating a fuller, bushier appearance. The best time to prune is during the active growing season in spring and summer. Removed stem sections can be used to start new plants.
Propagation is easily achieved through stem cuttings, which helps refresh the plant, as it often has an average lifespan of three to five years. Take a four-to-six-inch cutting that includes at least one or two leaf nodes. Remove the lower leaves to expose the node where roots will develop. Cuttings can be rooted readily in water or planted directly into moist, well-draining soil.
Though primarily grown for its foliage, the plant may produce small, daisy-like flowers, typically bright orange or yellow, in late fall or winter. These flowers emit a strong, unpleasant odor, leading many growers to pinch off the buds immediately. Removing the flowers also directs the plant’s energy back into maintaining vibrant leaves and bushy growth.
Troubleshooting and Safety
The most common sign of care imbalance is a loss of the characteristic purple color, signaling insufficient bright, indirect light. Conversely, brown or crispy leaf edges indicate too much direct sun or low humidity. Wilting leaves signal a need for water, but persistent yellowing or soft stems usually point to overwatering and potential root rot.
The plant can occasionally be targeted by common houseplant pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Inspecting the leaves regularly, especially the undersides, helps catch infestations early. Pests are often exacerbated by low humidity or poor air circulation, so addressing environmental conditions aids in prevention.
The Purple Velvet Plant is generally considered mildly toxic if ingested. It is safest to assume it can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans. Therefore, place the plant on a high shelf or in a hanging planter where curious children and pets cannot easily reach the foliage.