Longevity Spinach Plant Care

Longevity Spinach (Gynura procumbens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Gynura genus. Longevity Spinach is native to Bangladesh, Benin, Borneo, Cambodia, the Central African Republic, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Java, Liberia, Malaysia, New Guinea, Nigeria, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Longevity Spinach is also known as Molokhia, Poisonleaf, Gynura.

Longevity Spinach displays a compact, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Longevity Spinach produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of orange or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Longevity Spinach every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Longevity Spinach thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Longevity Spinach in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Gynura procumbens tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Longevity Spinach prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Longevity Spinach to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Longevity Spinach every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Longevity Spinach is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Longevity Spinach can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Longevity Spinach while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Longevity Spinach is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Longevity Spinach can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple velvet plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Longevity Spinach is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Longevity Spinach grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Longevity Spinach is native to Bangladesh, Benin, Borneo, Cambodia, the Central African Republic, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Java, Liberia, Malaysia, New Guinea, Nigeria, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Longevity Spinach as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.