Velvet plants, also known as Gynura aurantiaca, are popular indoor plants with fuzzy purple leaves that add a touch of exotic beauty to any room. However, these plants can be quite finicky and require specific care to thrive. If your velvet plant is starting to look a little sickly, don’t worry – there are steps you can take to save it.
The first step in saving a dying velvet plant is to figure out what’s causing the problem. Some common issues that can affect velvet plants include:
Once you’ve identified the issue, you can take steps to address it.
If your velvet plant is suffering from overwatering or underwatering, the first thing you’ll need to do is adjust your watering habits. Make sure you’re watering your plant deeply but infrequently – aim for once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the humidity levels in your home. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and make sure there’s adequate drainage in the pot.
If your plant is suffering from root rot due to overwatering, you may need to repot it in fresh soil and trim away any damaged roots.
If your velvet plant isn’t getting enough light, you’ll need to move it to a brighter location. Place the plant near a window that gets indirect sunlight for several hours a day. You may also want to consider using a grow light to supplement natural light.
If you’ve identified pests as the problem, you’ll need to take steps to eliminate them. Mealybugs and spider mites can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product carefully, and repeat treatments as needed until the pests are gone.
Once you’ve addressed the underlying issue, it’s important to provide your velvet plant with proper care to help it recover. This includes:
Taking these steps can help your velvet plant recover and thrive once again.
Velvet plants should be watered deeply but infrequently – aim for once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the humidity levels in your home.
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal for velvet plants.
Yes! Velvet plants can be propagated by stem cuttings. Simply cut off a healthy stem with several leaves and place it in water or moist soil until roots form.
Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests, and isolate any infested plants to prevent the pests from spreading. You may also want to consider using a preventive insecticide or regularly spraying your plant with neem oil.