The Paisley Plant is a popular choice for indoor gardeners. Known scientifically as Gynura aurantiaca, it is also called the Purple Passion Plant or Velvet Plant. Its unique, velvety, purple-hued leaves are admired for their distinctive appearance.
Understanding the Paisley Plant
Originating from Southeast Asia, the Paisley Plant can grow as a trailing or mounding plant. Its striking foliage features fine, soft purple hairs covering green leaves, creating a velvety texture and iridescent color that intensifies in good light. While it produces small, orange, daisy-like flowers, these often have an unpleasant scent and are usually removed to maintain the plant’s appearance and conserve energy for foliage.
Essential Care for Your Paisley Plant
Light
Correct light conditions are essential for maintaining the Paisley Plant’s vibrant coloration. It thrives in bright, indirect light, which encourages rich purple hues. Insufficient light can cause dull foliage and leggy, stretched growth. Conversely, direct, intense sunlight can result in scorched leaves and faded color, making locations near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window ideal.
Watering
Consistent moisture is preferred by the Paisley Plant, but it is highly susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Avoiding standing water in the saucer after watering also protects the root system.
Soil
Paisley Plants need a soil mix with excellent drainage and aeration. An all-purpose houseplant potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand works well. This amendment enhances drainage, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged. Good aeration is important for root health.
Humidity and Temperature
Paisley Plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally 65-75°F (18-24°C). They also appreciate higher humidity levels. To increase ambient humidity, consider placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, using a room humidifier, or grouping it with other plants. However, avoid misting the fuzzy leaves directly, as this can trap moisture and potentially lead to fungal issues or leaf spot.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season in spring and summer, the Paisley Plant benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. As growth slows in the fall and winter, reduce or cease fertilization. This prevents salt accumulation and over-feeding during dormancy.
Propagating Paisley Plants
Propagating the Paisley Plant is straightforward, most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Begin by taking a healthy stem cutting about 4-6 inches long, ensuring at least one node is present below the cut. Remove any leaves from the lower portion to expose the nodes. These cuttings can then be placed in water, where roots typically emerge within a few weeks, or directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Once a root system has developed, the new plant can be transplanted into its own pot.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Several common issues can arise with Paisley Plants, often signaling environmental imbalances. If the plant’s vibrant purple color fades or its leaves turn green, it often indicates insufficient light. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems with sparse foliage, is also a common symptom of low light, and pruning can encourage bushier growth.
Yellowing leaves may suggest overwatering, which starves roots of oxygen, or a nutrient deficiency. Crispy, brown leaf edges typically point to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Paisley Plants can occasionally attract common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs, which can often be managed with organic insecticidal soaps.
Safety and Display
The Paisley Plant is mildly toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of pets and small children. Displaying the plant can also enhance its aesthetic appeal. Its naturally trailing habit makes it an excellent candidate for hanging baskets, allowing its velvety foliage to cascade gracefully. It can also be placed on high shelves or incorporated into mixed plant arrangements, where its unique color and texture can provide an attractive contrast to other greenery.