Velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
Discover Gynura aurantiaca, the Velvet plant! Prized for its fuzzy, purple-haired foliage and easy care, this tropical perennial thrives indoors.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Velvet plant, scientifically known as Gynura aurantiaca, is truly a standout addition to any collection, primarily valued for its unique, richly textured foliage. This plant features ovate to elliptic green leaves that are entirely covered in striking reddish-purple hairs, creating a soft, velvety texture that catches the light beautifully. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Gynura aurantiaca is relatively simple to maintain, making it highly desirable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Native to Java, this woody-based evergreen perennial is celebrated more for its leaves than its winter-blooming flowers, which some growers choose to remove due to an unpleasant odor. When grown indoors or protected in warm climates, this species offers year-round visual interest as a compact shrub or trailing specimen.
The best way to showcase the distinct coloration of the Gynura aurantiaca is by ensuring it receives consistent, bright light. Its slightly sprawling habit means it adapts well to hanging baskets where its purple sheen can be fully appreciated.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Java
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 2-4 ft
- Bloom Time: November to February
- Bloom Description: Orange-yellow
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
In regions designated USDA Zones 10-12, the Velvet plant can be grown outdoors year-round. For most gardeners, Gynura aurantiaca functions best as a houseplant. When growing indoors, locate it in sunny areas, ensuring protection from harsh direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate hairs. Bright light accompanied by filtered sun is essential to maintain the best purple foliage color development.
Use a standard soil-based potting mix when cultivating your Velvet plant. Provide medium water needs by keeping the soils consistently moist throughout the primary growing season. During late fall and through the winter months, slightly reduce the watering frequency.
Pinching the growing tips is a critical step to prevent the stems of the Gynura aurantiaca from becoming leggy or overly sprawling. If flowers appear between November and February, many growers choose to remove them immediately to conserve plant energy and avoid cleanup, as their scent is often described as unpleasant. This plant is easily propagated from simple cuttings placed in soil or water.
Landscape Uses
The Velvet plant excels in settings where its fuzzy texture can contrast against smoother foliage. Its tendency to sprawl makes it an ideal candidate for elevated displays.
The recommended use focuses heavily on container gardening, particularly utilizing hanging baskets in bright, sunny areas within the home. As it matures, the stems of Gynura aurantiaca tend to trail downward, making it perfect for shelves or high planters where its purple highlights are visible from below. While less suited for formal hedging, its vibrant color lends itself well to mixed container arrangements where it can provide textural contrast.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gynura aurantiaca, commonly called velvet plant or purple velvet plant, is native to Java and is an evergreen perennial noted for its velvety, purple-haired foliage. Coarsely-toothed, green leaves are covered with reddish-purple hairs and weak stems tend to sprawl over time. Clusters of tiny, orange-yellow flowers appear in winter, though they are often removed by gardeners due to an unpleasant smell.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Gardeners should watch closely for common houseplant pests, including aphids, whitefly, mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. Regular inspection, especially underneath the fuzzy leaves, is crucial for early detection.
Overwatering is a significant cultural risk that can quickly lead to root rot in the Velvet plant. Ensure containers have excellent drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings during active growth. Furthermore, insufficient light levels will cause the characteristic purple hairs to fade, resulting in dull, greenish foliage lacking vibrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Velvet plant suitable for?
The Velvet plant, Gynura aurantiaca, is winter hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 10 through 12.
How large does Velvet plant grow?
Mature Velvet plants typically reach a height between 1 and 2 feet, spreading outward between 2 and 4 feet wide in ideal conditions.
What sun exposure does Gynura aurantiaca need?
This plant prefers part shade; indoors, it requires bright light with filtered sun to maintain optimal foliage color.
When does Gynura aurantiaca bloom?
Flowering occurs between November and February, producing clusters of small, orange-yellow blooms.
Conclusion
The ability of the Gynura aurantiaca to provide year-round textural interest with its unique, fuzzy coating makes the Velvet plant a highly valuable houseplant. By managing light exposure correctly and avoiding overwatering, you can ensure vibrant purple foliage and keep your plant looking its best. Before bringing one home, check your local climate or plan for indoor success, as this exotic beauty thrives best when protected from frost.
Propagation Tips
Since the Gynura aurantiaca is easily propagated, expanding your collection is simple. Stem tip cuttings root readily in water or directly into moist, well-draining potting mix, often without the need for rooting hormones. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems to maximize success rates.
Pinching young growth encourages a bushier habit, which yields more cuttings for propagation and helps control the slightly sprawling nature of the stems. This continuous pruning is essential for maintaining a compact, attractive specimen indoors.
Companion Growing
When selecting companions for indoor pots or nearby plants in Zones 10-12, choose species that share similar light and watering needs. Plants that thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer evenly moist soil pair well with the Velvet plant.
Consider pairing Gynura aurantiaca with plants that offer smooth, large leaves or lighter green tones to maximize the contrast against its dense, fuzzy texture. This helps the unique quality of the purple hairs really ‘pop’ in the display.
