Gynura aurantiaca, Purple Passion, Velvet Plant- Plant

Plant Description: Velvet Plant

Gynura aurantiaca, called purple passion or velvet plant, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is grown as an houseplant for its striking purple colour and velvety leaves. In warm regions, it is frequently grown outdoors on patios and in gardens. is an evergreen perennial growing to 30 cm (12 in) tall, the stems sometimes growing straight up but other times reclining against other objects, when stems can reach 2 m. Leaves, stems, and bracts are dark green, covered with soft purple hairs that impart a velvety feeling to the plant. One plant can produce 1-5 flower heads, each on its own flower stalk. The flowers have a strong odour.

Soil

• Soil having good drainage and fertility is favorable.
• The soil should not be waterlogged but soil must contain moisture.
• Avoid using clumpy clayey soil.

Sunlight

• Place the plant in a cool location.
• It prefers bright to moderate sunlight.
• But avoid direct sunlight in summer season.
• A place receiving bright but indirect sunlight would be ideal.

Watering in Purple Passion Plant

• Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.
• Apply 1 cup (Approx. 50 ml) water when the top soil (3-4 inch) in pot feels dry to touch.
• Apply water probably in the morning or evening time.
• Do not overwater the plant.
• As a rule of thumb, water the plant thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.

Application of Fertilizer

• Before application of fertilizer loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so it can uptake the nutrients and moisture.
• During the main growing season (January-March) feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month.
• Apply water immediately after application of fertilizer.