Gynura Purple Passion

Velvet Plant

£9.99

size guide

The height of all of our plants is measured from the base of the pot.

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Pot Size Pot Diameter Pot Height
6cm6cm5.5cm
9cm9cm8.5cm
1 Litre13cm11cm
2 Litre17cm13cm
3 Litre19cm15cm
4 Litre20cm17cm
5 Litre23cm19cm
7 Litre25cm20cm

Please note: the pot sizes listed below may vary due to the suppliers we use.

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The Gynura Purple Passion (Gynura aurantiaca) has everything that you might want in a houseplant. Also known as the Velvet Plant, it is a relatively fast-growing houseplant with distinctive purple, velvety foliage. It is also generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its deep green leaves are covered in fine purple hairs, giving the foliage a distinctive, velvety appearance.

That fast growth rate makes the Gynura Purple Passion a good pick for a hanging planter or the edge of a shelf in UK households. Light keeps the colour strong, so give it plenty of indirect daylight without harsh sun on the leaves. This makes sure that the purple stays deep. You can start small with the 6 cm size or go for 12 cm if you'd like a bigger plant from the start. See more trailing plants in our indoor hanging plants collection.

  • The Gynura Purple Passion has velvet-like green leaves that are covered in purple hairs.
  • The plant has a unique trailing habit. It stays upright when young and cascades with age.
  • The Gynura Purple Passion grows relatively quickly in suitable conditions and can develop fuller, trailing foliage over time.
  • It roots readily in water and loves being in bright yet indirect light, so a north or east-facing window is best to help the plant keep its vibrancy.

Please note: the decorative pot shown in the images is for illustration only and is not included.

Plant genus Gynura

Common Name Velvet Plant

Plant type Indoor Plant

Foliage type Evergreen, Perennial

Hardiness Tropical

Soil acidity Neutral

Flower colour Orange

Leaf colour Green, Purple

Growth Rate Fast

Edible Use No

Light Required Bright In-direct sunlight

Watering Water when the top few centimetres of compost begin to dry, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Do not leave the plant sitting in standing water, as consistently wet roots can lead to rot. Growth slows in winter, so reduce watering frequency during cooler, darker months.

Best Growing Conditions Grow in bright, indirect light and protection from harsh direct sun, ideally at around 18-26°C, away from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes. Use a good-quality, well-drained houseplant compost and make sure excess water can drain freely from the pot. Most houseplants perform best with moderate humidity and should be kept away from strong radiator heat.

Why is my Purple Passion losing its purple colour?

Purple Passion plants may lose some of their vibrant colouring when they don't receive enough light. The purple hairs are often more noticeable on younger growth, while older leaves can naturally appear less colourful. Move the plant to a brighter position with indirect light, avoiding harsh midday sun, to encourage healthy new growth and maintain its purple appearance.

Should I mist the velvet leaves?

No. The fine hairs hold on to water droplets, which can leave marks or cause the leaves to rot. Instead of misting the leaves, water the compost directly, and keep the foliage dry. If the leaves get dusty, brush them gently with a soft, dry paintbrush.

Why does my Gynura smell bad when it flowers?

The Gynura Purple Passion can grow small orange flowers that look a bit like dandelions, but they give off a strong, unpleasant smell. Most owners in the UK pinch the buds off as soon as they appear. This keeps the plant's energy going into its leaves rather than flowering and emitting a bad smell.

How do I stop it getting leggy?

Pinch out the growing tips regularly, just above a leaf, to make it branch and stay bushy. Older plants naturally get sluggish over time, so many growers root a few cuttings in water each year and start a fresh, full plant.

How do I grow Purple Passion from cuttings?

Cut a 5 cm to 10 cm stem tip just below a leaf and strip off the lowest leaves. Then pop the stem into a jar of water on a bright windowsill, and keep the leaves dry. You can then pot it up when the roots reach a few centimeters.

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Top tip

Turn the pot a quarter turn every week or two so the plant develops evenly, and wipe broad leaves occasionally to keep them free of dust. Good drainage is especially important, so avoid leaving the roots sitting in persistently wet or compacted soil.

Key Features

Air Purifying

Air Purifying

Beginner Friendly

Beginner Friendly

Comes Back Each Year

Comes Back Each Year

Good For Containers

Good For Containers

Low Maintenance

Low Maintenance

Pet Friendly

Pet Friendly

Shade Tolerant

Shade Tolerant

All Year Interest

All Year Interest