Purple Velvet Plant Plant Care

Purple Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Gynura genus. Purple Velvet Plant is native to Southeast Asia. Purple Velvet Plant is also known as Purple Passion Vine, Velvet Plant, Okinawa Spinach.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Purple Velvet Plant 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.

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

Gynura aurantiaca tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Purple Velvet Plant 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 Purple Velvet Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Purple Velvet Plant 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.

Purple Velvet Plant is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Purple Velvet Plant 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 Purple Velvet Plant 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.

Purple Velvet Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Purple Velvet Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division.

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

Purple Velvet Plant 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.

Purple Velvet Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Purple Velvet Plant is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Purple Velvet Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.