If you have a velvet plant, you may have noticed that it tends to grow sideways rather than straight up. While this may seem like a cause for concern, it’s actually quite common and normal for these plants. In fact, the way that velvet plants grow is one of the things that makes them so unique and interesting.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why your velvet plant is growing sideways and what you can do to help it thrive.
Velvet plants, also known as Gynura aurantiaca or purple passion vine, are native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their fuzzy leaves, which have a velvety texture and a bright green color. These plants are also known for their unique growth patterns.
Velvet plants grow in a sprawling, vine-like manner. They produce long, trailing stems that can reach up to six feet in length. As these stems grow, they send out new shoots and leaves along their length. Over time, the plant can become quite bushy and dense.
Because of their sprawling growth habit, velvet plants tend to grow sideways rather than straight up. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. In fact, trying to force your velvet plant to grow upright could actually harm it.
There are several factors that contribute to the sideways growth pattern of velvet plants:
While sideways growth is normal for velvet plants, there are still things you can do to ensure that your plant stays healthy and happy.
As mentioned earlier, velvet plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it may stretch out and grow sideways in an attempt to find more sunlight. To prevent this, make sure your plant is placed in a spot where it receives plenty of bright, indirect light.
Watering is another important factor when it comes to the health of your velvet plant. Overwatering or underwatering can cause the plant to struggle and grow sideways. To prevent this, make sure you’re watering your plant carefully.
Velvet plants prefer soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Be careful not to let the soil become too dry, as this can also harm the plant.
Velvet plants require regular fertilization to stay healthy and strong. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). This will provide your plant with the nutrients it needs to grow upright and bushy.
Pruning can also help your velvet plant stay healthy and bushy. As the plant grows, it may become leggy or lopsided. Pruning can help encourage new growth and keep the plant looking full and lush.
To prune your velvet plant, simply snip off any stems that are becoming too long or leggy. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
Q: My velvet plant is growing sideways and looks lopsided. What should I do?
A: If your velvet plant is growing sideways, it’s likely just following its natural growth pattern. However, if it’s becoming lopsided or leggy, you may want to give it a trim. Prune back any stems that are too long or pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.
Q: How often should I water my velvet plant?
A: Velvet plants prefer soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to let the soil become too dry or too wet.
Q: Can I grow my velvet plant in low light?
A: While velvet plants prefer bright, indirect light, they can tolerate lower light levels. However, if they don’t receive enough light, they may stretch out and grow sideways in an attempt to find more sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize my velvet plant?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to provide your velvet plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive.