Care of the indoor plant Gynura aurantiaca or Velvet plant |
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The genus Gynura, family Asteraceae, comprises 50 species of perennial plants native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Some species are: Gynura aurantica, Gynura sarmentosa, Gynura bicolor, Gynura scandens, Gynura procumbens. Common names: Royal velvet plant, Purple passion, Velvet plant. This species is native to tropical Asia. They are plants with a quadrangular stem that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. They have attractive dark green leaves on the upper surface and purple on the underside. The flowers are orange; It is convenient to prune them because they give off an unpleasant smell. They are used as indoor plants in individual pots or in planters with other plants to achieve beautiful leaf contrasts. The Gynura aurantiaca needs a very illuminated exposure and annual average temperatures of 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF). They do not resist frost. The soil can be a commercial substrate for indoor plants. Transplant in spring or summer. The plants should be renewed every 3-4 years. Water abundantly (never flood) in summer and reduce watering the rest of the year, especially in winter. Fertilize every 15 days in summer with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants. Prune the tips of the branches so that they branch and have a nice bearing. They can be attacked by aphids if the plant receives little light. They propagate by cuttings at the end of summer; they take root quickly. |
Images of the indoor plant Gynura aurantiaca or Velvet plant |
 Gynura aurantiaca  Gynura aurantiaca  Gynura aurantiaca  Gynura aurantica |