Gynura aurantiaca—or purple passion plant—is a unique and coveted houseplant. Its distinctive purple foliage and velvety texture make the stunning plant popular for indoor gardens. Also called the royal velvet plant, this ideal houseplant offers more than just its striking appearance.
This article delves into the mysteries of the purple passion plant, Gynura aurantiaca. You’ll learn about its origins, care requirements, and how to resolve growing issues. Whether an experienced plant enthusiast or a beginner gardener, this guide has the information you need to cultivate and appreciate this fascinating, velvety purple plant.
What is Gynura Aurantiaca (Purple Passion Plant)?
Gynura aurantiaca is a flowering plant with striking fuzzy green and purple leaves. The plant is identified by its colorful foliage, wiry orange and yellow flower clusters, and upright growth. It’s a member of the daisy plant family Asteraceae in the genus Gynura. It typically grows tall—12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm).
Other names for purple indoor plant variety, Gynura aurantiaca, include purple passion vine, velvet plant, purple velvet plant, and royal velvet plant.
Gynura Aurantiaca Care
To care for Gynura aurantiaca, provide it with bright light shielded from direct sunlight. Water purple plants when a 1-inch layer of the soil is dry and maintain a temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Fertilize every four weeks during active growth and prune as needed. Avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Identifying Purple Passion Plant
Gynura aurantiaca has dark green, oblong, serrated leaves with vibrant purple margins and a fuzzy texture. This popular ornamental plant is easy to care for at home, making it ideal for a tropical plant collection. It’s a coveted houseplant due to its vibrancy and minimal care requirements.
Gynura aurantiaca flowers
Gynura aurantiaca is identified by its Senecio-like orange-yellow flowers that bloom in winter. The purple passion plant flowers are showy blooms consisting of numerous yellowish tubular flowers growing in corymbs. Each wiry flower measures less than an inch (2.5 cm) tall. The striking orange flowers also emit a strong, unpleasant odor.
Here’s what to look for when identifying the flowers:
- Appearance: As the plant blooms, particularly in late summer, watch for buds covered in a striking purple fuzzy texture. Clusters form at the tips of stems, foreshadowing the vivid display to come.
- Color: The dark green flowers have prominent purple veins and long orange stamens.
- Structure: Unlike its daisy family kin, the Gynura aurantiaca blooms lack the classic ray flowers of daisy plants. Instead, you’ll notice a cluster of narrow, orange, wiry petals at the center.
- Scent: Despite their beauty, the orange flowers emit an unpleasant odor, starkly contrasting the plant’s attractiveness.
- Lifecycle: After blooming, the flower heads transform into dandelion-like ethereal puffballs.
Essential Gynura aurantiaca flower identification:
- Orange, wiry flowers contrasting with the green and purple foliage
- Buds covered in a purple fuzzy texture at the ends of stems
- The flowers have dark green petals with prominent purple veins and long orange stamens
- Narrow orange petals in a cluster
- A rancid scent
Remember, although its scientific name, aurantiaca, refers to its orange color, the purple passion plant’s flowers emit a rancid smell.
What to do about the smell of Gynura aurantiaca flowers?
Purple velvet plant flowers are a puzzle. They are eye-catching orange blossoms contrasting with stunning purple and green leaves. However, the flowers emit a powerful, unpleasant smell that most people describe as rancid. Removing the purple flower buds as soon as they appear is best to eliminate the foul odor.
Want to learn more about the plant’s orange flowers? Check out my article on the pros and cons of the purple passion plant flowers and what to do about the stink.
Gynura aurantiaca foliage
Gynura aurantiaca foliage, with its green and purple leaf coloration, is its most easily identifying feature. Each leaf blade has a velvety texture and serrated or coarsely-toothed margins. The pointed elliptical leaves are dark green with iridescent purple colors and covered in reddish or purple hairs. Purple passion plant leaves measure 8 inches (20 cm) long.
Purple velvet mature leaves can exhibit diverse forms depending on the specific species, light, humidity, and temperature. It can grow as an upright, bushy plant with large, fuzzy leaves. In contrast, it can be a trailing vine with smaller foliage. Whatever the case, the velvet plant exhibits a spectacular, intense purple-violet leaf color.
Key characteristics of purple passion leaves:
- A lack of bright light can cause the purple colors to fade
- Lance-shaped green leaves with a distinct purple hue
- Foliage colors of metallic purple and dark green
- Leaves can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and are coarsely toothed
- Reddish-purple hairs give the leaves a fuzzy appearance
- Good light intensity helps the leaves retain their iridescent purple hues
Gynura aurantiaca growth
Gynura aurantiaca has rapid growth when growing in the right conditions. Purple passion plant light should be bright, indirect sunlight. Also, keeping even temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and a moderate level of humidity ensures the vining stems grow well. Its fast growth doesn’t become leggy in bright light.
How to Care for Gynura Aurantiaca
Gynura aurantiaca plant care is relatively simple. However, keeping the beautiful houseplant happy requires attention to specific care tips. These include providing the right lighting conditions and adequate watering techniques.
Gynura aurantiaca light requirements
The purple passion plant light needs are not complicated. Place the potted plant in a bright, sunny spot protected from direct sunlight. An ideal location is an east or west-facing window. If the room has low-light conditions, use an LED grow light to supplement natural sunlight.
Meeting the passion plant light needs ensures the leaves retain their delightful colors.
Gynura aurantiaca soil needs
The royal velvet plant grows best in moist but well-draining soil. If you amend it with perlite, you can use regular potting soil to improve drainage. It helps to increase soil acidity by using a peat-based mix. This also ensures the soil retains enough moisture to hydrate the roots.
It’s best to avoid using garden soil as a potting medium. Using garden soil for houseplants usually results in a clumpy soil mix that purple passion plants hate. Also, soil from the garden is often contaminated soil, unlike regular potting soil you can buy from a garden center.
Gynura aurantiaca watering needs
The purple velvet plant requires moist but well-draining soil to thrive. Therefore, only water the plant when 1 inch (2.5 cm) of top layer of soil is dry. Also, the pot should have sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. In the growing season, water the soil about once a week.
Here are some top Gynura aurantiaca care tips regarding adequate watering:
- Avoid the leaves coming in contact with water, which can cause damage.
- Always check the top soil layer is dry before watering again.
- Reduce watering frequency in late fall and winter.
- Water the soil thoroughly, letting excess water drain from the pot.
- Use filtered water at room temperature to ensure there are no heavy metals in the water, and you don’t shock the beautiful plant’s roots.
Remember, watering is a vital aspect of plant care. Maintaining well-draining soil and regular watering can give Gynura aurantiaca the ideal conditions for healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Gynura aurantiaca temperature and humidity
Purple passion vines require warm temperatures and humid conditions to thrive. The ideal temperature range for tropical houseplants is 65-75°F (18-24°C). Gynura aurantiaca humidity requirements are moderate to high. The ideal humidity for rapid growth is 60-80%. However, the typical level of humidity in homes is ideal for healthy growth.
Here are some Gynura aurantiaca care tips regarding ideal humidity and temperature:
- Temperature and level of air moisture affect the regular watering cycle.
- Velvet plants have a low-temperature tolerance.
- The plants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so avoid growing them near drafts or heating vents.
- Use a humidifier or pebble tray to meet G. aurantiaca humidity requirements.
Gynura aurantiaca fertilizer
Purple velvet foliage plants benefit from regular fertilization during the active growth season. You can encourage vibrant and luscious foliage by applying a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. It’s recommended to dilute it to half the recommended strength. Use a balanced fertilizer ratio with an NPK rating of 10-10-10.
Keeping Purple Passion Plants Healthy with Proper Pruning
Prune the Purple Passion’s velvety purple leaves to maintain its splendor. Cutting back leggy stems will give your plant a fuller look. It also encourages new, vigorous growth. Use clean scissors or shears to stave off potential bacterial and fungal infections and execute clean cuts that won’t harm the plant.
Pruning isn’t just for tidiness; it’s also a health measure. Eliminating yellowing, dead, or brown leaves focuses the plant’s energy on fresh growth. Since purple passion plants can become leggy, pinching back the growth prevents strain on the plant’s resources. Snip the vines between two and five inches from the soil, which promotes that lush, bushy shape.
Consider regular grooming to be part of your plant’s care routine. Prune after the flowering season to invigorate your plant, and don’t forget that stem cuttings can be used to propagate new plants, ensuring you’ll always have a fresh supply of Purple Passion’s vibrant presence in your home.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Common pests and diseases affecting your Gynura plant include whitefly, mealybugs, spider mites, leaf scales, aphids, and root rot caused by overwatering.
Symptoms of whiteflies, mealybugs, spider mites, leaf scale, and aphid infestations include the following:
- Tiny bugs on the underside of leaves.
- Yellowing or curling leaves.
- A sticky substance on the plant.
If you notice these signs, isolating the sick plant is vital until you treat the infestation.
To manage these pests, regularly wipe down the leaves with a mild soap solution, increase airflow around the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot, caused by excessive watering, can cause the plant to wilt, have yellow leaves, or have a foul odor coming from the soil. Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot and ensure the pot has proper drainage.
To avoid pest and disease outbreaks, regularly check your purple passion vine for signs of distress, invest in proper airflow, and maintain appropriate humidity levels. Keeping a close eye on your plant’s health will help you catch and treat any issues before they become severe.
Gynura aurantiaca Propagation
Propagating the purple velvet plant is straightforward. The best way to re-grow this specimen is through leaf cuttings.
Here are some tips for successful Gynura aurantiaca propagation:
- Choose a healthy mother plant: Select a mature and healthy Gynura aurantiaca plant for propagation. Look for a mother plant with vibrant foliage and strong stems.
- Prepare the potting mix: Use a moist but well-soil, preferably a mix suitable for indoor plants. You can also add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
- Select and cut the stem: Identify a healthy stem with a length of at least 4-6 inches. Make a clean cut just under a leaf node using sharp scissors or pruning shears. Leaf nodes are where leaves meet the stem.
- Remove lower leaves: Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This helps reduce moisture loss and encourages root development.
- Apply rooting hormone (optional): Dip the cut end of the stem in a suitable rooting hormone to enhance root development. However, Gynura aurantiaca often roots well without it.
- Plant the Gynura stem cutting: Insert the cut end of the stem into the prepared potting mix, burying it about an inch deep. Gently press down the soil around the cutting to provide stability.
- Water the cutting: Water the cutting thoroughly to settle the soil. Ensure the potting mix stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Create a humid environment: Cover the pot with a plastic wrap or place the entire pot inside a clear plastic bag. This helps create a humid atmosphere, encouraging root development.
- Provide indirect light: Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may sun-burn the cutting.
- Monitor and wait: Check the soil moisture regularly and mist the cutting if the humidity inside the covering decreases. Patience is key because it takes several weeks for roots to develop.
- Transplanting: Once the cutting has developed a sufficient root system, usually after 4-6 weeks, you can transplant it into a larger pot or its permanent container.
Gynura Aurantiaca: Common Growing Issues
The purple passion plant or velvet plant is generally easy to grow indoors. The purple and green plant adds a pop of color to indoor dull spaces. However, like many houseplants, common growing issues can affect its health and appearance.
Gynura aurantiaca pests
To address bug issues on Gynura plants, checking the plant from time to time for the presence of pests is crucial. Look for signs of aphids, red spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. The presence of insect pests on leaves and stems for small, clustered insects, webbing, or white powdery residue.
Consider using homemade pest remedies and organic solutions to prevent and treat pest infestations. For aphids, spray the affected areas with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap. This solution can also help control mealybugs. Additionally, introducing natural predators like ladybugs can help keep aphid populations in check.
Try misting the leaves with water for red spider mites to increase humidity and reduce their numbers. You can also use neem oil, a natural pesticide, to control mites. Consider using insecticidal soap or introducing predatory mites to the plants to deter thrips.
In addition to these homemade remedies, regularly wiping down the leaves with a dampened cloth and pruning any heavily infested areas can help keep pest populations under control.
By regularly inspecting Gynura plants and incorporating organic solutions, you can effectively address and prevent pest infestations.
Gynura aurantiaca disease prevention
The most common disease affecting the purple velvet plant is root rotting. Decaying roots make the plant susceptible to wilting or yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and the presence of insects on the plant. To prevent impending diseases, regularly check your plant populations for any signs of pests or diseases and take action immediately.
Excess water in the potting soil leads to root rot in Gynura plants. This causes the roots to become mushy and discolored. Root rotting prevents the infected plant from absorbing nutrients, and it will eventually die.
Always allow excess water to drain to prevent rotting roots before placing it back on the saucer. Remember, only water purple passion vines when the top layer of soil is dry. Also, you should promote good airflow by placing the purple plant in a well-ventilated area.
Resolving Gynura aurantiaca growing problems
Here are some purple velvet plant care tips to resolve problems with active growth in tropical houseplants:
- Investigate the cause of the issue, checking the roots if necessary.
- Common reasons for poor growth include inspecting for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental stress.
- Use an organic neem oil solution or insecticidal soap to treat occurrences of pests.
- Trim diseased roots and repot the purple plant in fresh potting soil.
- Regularly monitor the plant’s growth and provide the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer.
Gynura Aurantiaca Level of Toxicity
Checking a plant’s toxicity to animals or humans is vital if you have a collection of tropical houseplants. What degree of toxicity does the royal velvet plant possess? Here are answers based on scientific research.
Is Gynura aurantiaca toxic to people?
Purple passion plant leaves and stems are not toxic to humans. Scientists place Gynura aurantiaca on a list of plants considered non-toxic to people. However, its leaves and stems are not meant for human consumption. Some reports indicate that the plant has mild toxicity. Therefore, you shouldn’t eat any part of the plant.
Is Gynura aurantiaca toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals?
Royal velvet plants are not toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA says that compounds in the plant’s leaves and stems have no toxicity to animals. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about mild toxicity if your pet mistakenly eats the serrated leaves.
Therefore, Gynura aurantiaca can be considered a pet-friendly plant.
FAQ — Gynura Aurantiaca (Purple Passion Vine)
What is the growth rate of Gynura aurantiaca?
Gynura aurantiaca has a moderate to fast growth rate. You can expect that it typically grows 12 inches (30 cm) in a single growing season until its mature height of 2 feet (0.6 m) tall and 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide.
How to revive a dying Gynura aurantiaca?
To revive a dying Gynura aurantiaca, assess its care conditions. Check for overly soggy soil, low humidity, and insufficient light. Ensure proper watering, provide bright, indirect light, and trim away damaged parts. Adjust care based on specific needs for speedy recovery. Unfortunately, extensive root damage results in plant death.
Why is my Gynura aurantiaca (purple passion plant) dying?
The most common reason royal velvet plants die is overwatering. Soggy soil causes root rot and stunts the purple plant’s growth. Stunted growth happens because excess water in the soil deprives the roots of oxygen, causing them to rot and eventually leading to the plant’s death.
Why are my Gynura aurantiaca leaves drooping?
Purple passion vine leaves start drooping for several reasons. However, the most common is a poor watering schedule. Check the soil health for signs of overwatering or underwatering. However, you should check for the presence of insect pests. Gynura aurantiaca pests can cause wilting and drooping foliage.
What is Gynura aurantiaca temperature tolerance?
The temperature tolerance of the purple passion vine is 54°F (12°C). It has moderate cold tolerance but cannot survive freezing temperatures. Also, it has poor temperature tolerance for sudden changes in air quality. Therefore, keep it away from heating sources and drafts. Its ideal temperature range is 59°F to 75°F (15C to 24°C)
Does Gynura aurantiaca purify indoor air?
Purple velvet plants have some air-purifying qualities, absorbing pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde. Researchers say that houseplants generally help purify indoor air and increase oxygen levels. While not as efficient as some other plants, Gynura aurantiaca can contribute to creating a healthier indoor environment. Regular care enhances its air-purifying potential.
In Conclusion
A Gynura aurantiaca plant is the ideal houseplant due to its spectacular green and vibrant purple foliage and its showy purple passion plant flowers. The stunning plant is easy to care for and has a moderate to fast growth rate. Additionally, it has no degree of toxicity, making them pet-friendly plants.
