Gynura aurantiaca

Purple Passion Vine, Purple Velvet Plant, Royal Velvet Plant, Velvet Plant

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic30–60 cm

A tropical plant covered in soft purple hairs that give its deep green leaves a velvety sheen. Native to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi, it does best in bright indirect light and moderate humidity. The trailing stems work well in hanging displays, though the orange flowers have an unpleasant odour and are best removed.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Purple Passion Plant image

Photo by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋)·CC BY 3.0

Care

Prefers medium humidity, bright indirect light, with 16–24 °C, and reaches 60 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

Medium (40–60%)(preferred)High (60–80%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
16°C – 24°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)Peat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

6 – 7

Propagation

Take 10–15 cm stem cuttings and root in moist peat/perlite mix. Roots form in 1–2 weeks with warmth and humidity. Cuttings can be taken year-round, but spring and summer tend to give the best results.

Native range

Native to Malesia.

Appearance

Growth habit

TrailingClimbing

Leaf shape

OvalToothed

Leaf texture

VelvetyFuzzy

Frequently asked

Can Purple Passion Vine grow in a closed terrarium?

Purple Passion Vine prefers medium (40–60%) humidity, which is below the level a closed terrarium typically maintains. It is better suited to an open terrarium or houseplant setup.

Does Purple Passion Vine need drainage?

Purple Passion Vine prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Purple Passion Vine need?

Purple Passion Vine does best in medium (40–60%) humidity.

Is Purple Passion Vine pet-safe?

Purple Passion Vine is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Purple Passion Vine grow?

Purple Passion Vine typically reaches 30–60 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Purple Passion Vine?

Purple Passion Vine can be propagated by stem cuttings.

References

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    NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gynura-aurantiaca/
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    UF/IFAS Cultural Guidelines for Purple Passion Plant

    https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP346
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