Purple Velvet Plant

When watering the Purple Velvet Plant, take care to use tempered water, as sudden changes in temperature can affect the plant negatively. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to become dry between waterings, and reduce this amount during the winter months. Never let the plant sit in water or soggy soil, as this can lead to root rot.

The Purple Velvet Plant thrives with bright yet indirect sunlight, if kept indoors; specialist advice suggests supplementing the indirect sunlight with artificial lighting. When establishing young plants, the Purple Velvet Plant is more tolerant of direct sunlight, but it should be gradually acclimated or the leaves may sunburn. It should not be kept in full shade, as this will stunt growth and cause the leaves to become pale in hue.

The optimal temperature range for the Purple Velvet Plant is between 68-86°F (20-30°C). Its tolerance for temperatures outside this range is limited; both very high and very low temperatures may affect the growth and health of the plant.

The Purple Velvet Plant thrives in warm, humid environments with good air circulation. Placing a humidifier near the plant is a good way to maintain the right level of moisture in the air, while ventilation can help to reduce naturally occurring fungal diseases. Having nearby pot plants and gravel trays of water can also enhance the level of humidity.

When selecting a potting mix for the Purple Velvet Plant, make sure to choose one that is well-draining with an equal part of organic material and soil. Compost, ground bark, leaf mold, pumice, and perlite are all great soil amendments when growing the Purple Velvet Plant. The pH levels of the soil should ideally be kept at 6-6.5.

Fertilizing the Purple Velvet Plant can be done once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Fertilizer should not be given during the winter as this could cause the plant to produce new leaves weak in color or severely decrease the health of your Purple Velvet Plant, stunting its growth. Additionally, try to go for an organic fertilizer as much as possible.

The Purple Velvet Plant can be affected by common pests such as mealybugs, aphids and spider mites. If not kept in check, these pests could cause browning of the foliage, leaf curling, and yellowing of the plant's leaves. To reduce the risk of infestation, it's a good idea to check your plant regularly for signs of a problem. To get rid of an infestation, using a cotton swab soaked in neem oil is the safest and most common option. Spraying with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil also has the same effect. Regularly cleaning the plant with a soft cloth, paying special attention to its underside, can help keep it pest-free.

The Purple Velvet Plant should be repotted every two to three years, and more often if it is outgrowing the current pot. When repotting, use a potting mix that is well-draining and that contains an equal amount of organic material and soil. Adding slow-release granular fertilizer to the potting mix can also help the plant grow. Slowly and gently remove the Purple Velvet Plant from its pot and shake the soil off its roots before placing it in its new pot.

Pruning helps maintain the shape and size of the Purple Velvet Plant. Light pruning can be done throughout the season. Cut the stems back to the desired shape just above a node, as this encourages new growth. Wipe the pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before and after use.

Mulching the Purple Velvet Plant can be a great way to keep its soil moist and can reduce weed growth. A layer of bark mulch that is two to three inches deep is ideal.

The Purple Velvet Plant can be propagated from cuttings. Snip off two to three inch pieces from the tip of the stem, making sure that there are approximately four to five leaves per cutting. Dust the end of each cutting with a rooting hormone, to quickly encourage root development. Then stick the cuttings into a pot filled with soil, making sure that the soil is firmly packed around the cuttings. Mist the soil regularly and wait for the cuttings to take root.

Staking can be beneficial, especially with larger plants, as this helps to minimize accidental stem breakage due to accidental knocks or strong winds. Insert the stakes into the soil when the plant is young; if done when the plant is older, there is a risk of damaging the stem and root system.

Allowing the Purple Velvet Plant to rest during winter is a safe way to encourage new growth come spring. During this period, reduced watering and lighting can help it prepare for the season to come. During its rest period, the plant will stop growing and become somewhat dormant.

The Purple Velvet Plant is non-toxic to pets, which makes it a great choice for households with cats or dogs.