Gynura - Purple Passion Plant, Velvet Plant

(Gynu'ra)

DESCRIPTION: These tropical plants are natives of Indonesia. They belong to the Daisy family, Compositae and will grow 2-3 feet high. G. aurantiaca produces velvety leaves covered with purple hairs and orange flowers, which resemble little shaving brushes. G. bicolor's leaves are gray-purple above and rich purple underneath.

POTTING: The compost should be rich and have adequate drainage. It should be kept moist but not water logged. They need light shade from strong sunlight. They grow well in a night temperature of 60 degrees with a 5- to 10-degree increase in the day. Plants that have filled their pots up with roots will flourish if given weekly feedings with dilute liquid fertilizer.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings can be set in sand or vermiculite, or in a mixture of sand and peat moss.

VARIETIES: G. sarmentosa; G. bicolor; G. aurantiaca.

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