The velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is a popular houseplant celebrated for its unique, tactile foliage. Its deep green leaves are covered in a dense layer of soft, shimmering purple hairs, giving the plant its common name and distinctively fuzzy appearance. It makes a captivating addition to a collection, often grown in hanging baskets or on shelves where its trailing stems can be appreciated.
Identifying the Velvet Plant
The velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca) is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to Southeast Asia, particularly the island of Java. Its velvety texture results from a dense covering of tiny, deep reddish-purple, hair-like structures called trichomes, which create an iridescent sheen. The leaves are typically dark green, ovate, and have coarsely-toothed margins, providing an attractive contrast to the vibrant purple fuzz. The intensity of the purple coloration is directly influenced by the amount of light the plant receives. When exposed to bright conditions, the purple pigment in the trichomes becomes more saturated and noticeable, but in lower light environments, the color will fade and the foliage will appear duller green.
Essential Care Requirements
The plant requires bright, indirect light to encourage the deepest purple hues in its foliage. Placing it near an east-facing window is often ideal, as morning sun avoids the harsh intensity of direct afternoon light, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
The root zone should be kept consistently moist during the growing season, but never allow the plant to sit in soggy soil. Wait until the top half-inch to one inch of soil feels dry to the touch before thoroughly soaking the potting mix. Proper drainage is crucial, so the pot must have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which quickly leads to root rot.
A standard, well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter is suitable. Amending the soil with perlite or coarse sand improves aeration and drainage. It thrives in average room temperatures (60 to 75°F / 15 to 24°C), benefiting from moderate to high humidity (40% to 60%). To increase moisture, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the bottom is elevated. Avoid misting, as the fuzzy trichomes can trap water droplets, leading to fungal issues or leaf spot.
Managing Growth and Propagation
The velvet plant has a vigorous, trailing growth habit, and stems tend to stretch out over time, leading to a leggy appearance. Regular pruning is necessary to encourage a bushier, more compact shape. Pinching off the growing tips stimulates branching and promotes the growth of new, vibrant purple leaves.
The removed stems are the easiest way to propagate the plant. Propagation is successfully accomplished using stem cuttings, which can be taken at any time of year, though spring and summer are most optimal. Simply cut a three-to-four-inch section of stem that includes at least one leaf node (the point where a leaf meets the stem). These cuttings can be rooted in a glass of water or directly planted into a small container filled with moist, well-draining potting mix. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and planting the cuttings back into the main pot can help rejuvenate an older, leggy plant.
Because the velvet plant’s fuzzy leaves can make it difficult to spot pests, regular inspection is advisable. Spider mites and mealybugs are the most frequent culprits, often hiding among the dense hairs and causing discoloration or distortion of the foliage.
Unique Traits and Safety Concerns
The velvet plant produces small, orange-yellow, daisy-like flowers, typically in the winter months, if it receives sufficient light and has reached maturity. While the flowers provide a striking color contrast, they emit a powerful, pungent odor often described as unpleasant or similar to rotting. To avoid the odor, most growers pinch off the flower buds as soon as they appear. Removing the flowers also redirects the plant’s energy back into producing the vibrant, purple-tinged foliage. Furthermore, the velvet plant is known to be short-lived, with a lifespan of only three to five years, and flowering often signifies the end of its life cycle.
The velvet plant is generally listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. While it poses no poisoning risk, ingesting any plant material can occasionally cause mild digestive upset in animals. As a precaution, placing the trailing vines out of reach is recommended to prevent curious pets from chewing on the foliage.