James H. Schutte
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
GYNURA aurantiaca
Plant Common Name
Purple Velvet Plant
General Description
The fleshy, toothed leaves of this unusual Malaysian native are green with long, bright purple hairs that give the leaves the texture of velvet, hence the common name, velvet plant. Though succulent, this is a tropical forest dweller, so it is adapted to shadier light conditions. It is most commonly grown as a houseplant, but those living in tropical zones can enjoy it as a vining, trailing in-ground foliage plant.
The bright purple stems of velvet plant match the hairs that color its fleshy green leaves. The leaves are lined with ragged, inconsistent teeth that give them an interesting visual texture. This member of the daisy family produces small, fluffy flowerheads that may be yellow, orange or orange-red in spring or summer. The flowers emit a somewhat unpleasant fragrance and are insect pollinated. After blooming, the plants tend to become leggier and less ornamentally appealing, so many suggest keeping velvet plant from blooming by pinching back its flower buds as they appear.
This lovely tropical foliage plant grows best in bright, indirect light. Provide it will fertile potting soil with good drainage and allow the medium to become slightly dry between watering. A neutral soil pH and regular feeding with a 3:1:3 NPK fertilizer will encourage best growth. Growth will slow down significantly if temperatures drop below 60°F. When watering this plant, do not allow its leaves to get wet as this can encourage rot.
Ideal for container culture, velvet plant will add color to mixed summer plantings. It also makes a great hanging basket specimen. One caveat is that it has become introduced to several different places, including Florida, Southeast Asia, East Africa, Madagascar and Australia, where it grows as an exotic invasive.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Melanesia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Orange, Orange Red
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Purple, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Purple, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
