What To Know
- Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting mix.
- Plant the leaf upright in a pot filled with moist potting mix.
- Once the roots are well-established, cut the stem below the roots and plant it in a pot.
Purple passion (Gynura aurantiaca), also known as velvet plant, is a captivating houseplant known for its velvety, purple-red leaves. Propagating purple passion is a rewarding experience that allows you to multiply your plant collection and share its beauty with others. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on various propagation methods, ensuring successful results.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common and straightforward method of propagating purple passion.
Materials:
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Potting mix
- Pot or container
Steps:
1. Select healthy stems with several nodes (small bumps where leaves grow).
2. Cut a 4-6 inch stem below a node.
3. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few nodes exposed.
4. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone if desired (this can promote faster rooting).
5. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting mix.
6. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.
7. Roots should develop within 2-3 weeks.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings are another effective way to propagate purple passion.
Materials:
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Potting mix
- Pot or container
Steps:
1. Select healthy, mature leaves with a petiole (stalk).
2. Cut the leaf from the stem at the base of the petiole.
3. Dip the petiole in rooting hormone if desired.
4. Plant the leaf upright in a pot filled with moist potting mix.
5. Bury the petiole about 1 inch deep.
6. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.
7. Roots and new plantlets should form at the base of the leaf within 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering involves rooting a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant.
Materials:
- Sharp knife
- Rooting hormone
- Sphagnum moss
- Plastic wrap
Steps:
1. Select a healthy stem with several nodes.
2. Make a 1-2 inch cut halfway through the stem below a node.
3. Apply rooting hormone to the cut.
4. Wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss.
5. Secure the moss with plastic wrap.
6. Keep the moss moist and provide bright, indirect light.
7. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks.
8. Once the roots are well-established, cut the stem below the roots and plant it in a pot.
Division
Division is suitable for mature purple passion plants that have become overgrown.
Materials:
- Sharp knife or spade
- Pots or containers
- Potting mix
Steps:
1. Carefully dig up the plant.
2. Divide the root ball into several smaller divisions, ensuring each division has roots and healthy stems.
3. Plant the divisions in separate pots filled with moist potting mix.
4. Water the plants well and provide bright, indirect light.
5. New growth should appear within a few weeks.
Seeds
Purple passion can also be propagated from seeds, although this method is less common.
Materials:
- Purple passion seeds
- Seed starting mix
- Seedling tray or pots
- Grow light or sunny window
Steps:
1. Sow the seeds in a seed starting mix.
2. Keep the mix moist and provide bright, indirect light.
3. The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
4. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
5. Provide bright, indirect light and water regularly.
Care Tips for Propagated Purple Passion
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
- Prune regularly to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth.
Troubleshooting
- Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
- Brown tips on leaves: Underwatering or low humidity.
- Leggy growth: Insufficient light.
- No roots forming: Cuttings may not be getting enough moisture or light.
Final Thoughts: Multiplying the Beauty of Purple Passion
Propagating purple passion is a rewarding and accessible way to expand your plant collection and share its unique beauty. By following the techniques outlined in this guide, you can successfully propagate purple passion through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, air layering, division, and seeds. With proper care and attention, your propagated purple passion plants will thrive and bring a touch of elegance and intrigue to your indoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to propagate purple passion?
A: Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for propagation.
Q: Can I use water instead of soil to propagate purple passion?
A: Yes, but rooting in soil is generally more successful.
Q: How long does it take for purple passion cuttings to root?
A: Stem cuttings usually root within 2-3 weeks, while leaf cuttings may take 4-6 weeks.
Q: Can I propagate purple passion in water?
A: Yes, but it is not as reliable as rooting in soil or using air layering.
Q: How long does it take for purple passion seeds to germinate?
A: Purple passion seeds typically germinate within 2-3 weeks.
