Gynura – Purple Passion Live Starter Plant | Velvety Purple Foliage, Trailing Vine (Gynura aurantiaca)

Gynura (Gynura aurantiaca), commonly known as Purple Passion or Velvet Plant, is one of the most visually dramatic foliage houseplants available — prized for its deep green leaves densely covered in fine, iridescent purple hairs that catch the light and give the entire plant an unmistakable glowing violet appearance. Originally discovered on the island of Java, Indonesia, Purple Passion has been a beloved houseplant for over 200 years, treasured for its unique tactile and visual qualities. Ships as live starter plants; also available as roots. Excellent for hanging baskets, combination pots, and as a trailing accent plant.

Plant Highlights

• Distinctive appearance: Deep green leaves covered in dense purple hairs that create a vivid violet-purple glow — especially striking in bright light
• Trailing habit: Naturally vining and trailing; ideal for hanging baskets, elevated pots, and cascading over container edges
• Leaf size: Typically 2" wide and 4" long, with a soft, velvety texture
• Houseplant longevity: Most plants remain at peak beauty for 2–3 years; easy to propagate from cuttings to start fresh plants
• Outdoor use: Can be grown as an annual bedding or container plant outdoors in warm weather
• Note on flowers: Mature plants occasionally produce small orange flowers with a strong odor — most growers pinch these off to maintain foliage quality and plant appearance

Care Guide

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Brighter light intensifies the purple color of the hairs — this is one plant that genuinely rewards a bright windowsill. Avoid harsh direct midday sun, which can scorch leaves.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Gynura tolerates occasional dryness better than overwatering — if you miss a watering, it will recover. Water at the base to keep the fuzzy leaves dry and prevent rot.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Avoid misting directly on the leaves — the dense hairs trap moisture and can promote fungal issues. Use a pebble tray or humidifier nearby instead.
• Temperature: Prefers 60–75°F. Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents.
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix. Add perlite for improved drainage.
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop feeding in winter.
• Pruning: Pinch off stem tips regularly to encourage bushy, compact growth rather than long, leggy vines. Pinched tips can be rooted in water or moist soil to propagate new plants.

Propagation

Gynura is exceptionally easy to propagate. Take 3–4" stem cuttings, remove lower leaves, and place in water or moist potting mix. Roots develop within 1–2 weeks. Propagating every 2–3 years is the best way to maintain a vigorous, colorful plant as foliage color tends to fade slightly as the plant matures.