Use a Hanging Purple Velvet Plant to Freshen up Your Space

When it comes to interior design and home decor, plants have become an essential element for creating a fresh and inviting space. Not only do they add a touch of nature to our indoor environments, but they also provide numerous health benefits, such as purifying the air and reducing stress levels. If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching plant to freshen up your space, look no further than the hanging purple velvet plant.

What is a Hanging Purple Velvet Plant?

The hanging purple velvet plant, scientifically known as Gynura aurantiaca, is a stunning trailing plant that features lush, dark green leaves with velvety purple undersides. The contrast between the purple undersides and the green tops creates a striking visual effect that instantly adds a pop of color to any room. This plant is native to Indonesia and belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Why Choose a Hanging Purple Velvet Plant?

1. Visual Appeal: The most obvious reason to choose a hanging purple velvet plant is its unique and visually appealing appearance. The deep purple color of the leaves creates a sense of drama and adds depth to your space. Whether you have a minimalist or eclectic decor style, this plant will effortlessly fit in and become a focal point of any room.

2. Low Maintenance: If you’re not blessed with a green thumb, don’t worry! The hanging purple velvet plant is relatively low maintenance and forgiving. It thrives in bright indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions. Additionally, it doesn’t require frequent watering; allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is usually sufficient. This makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals or those who tend to forget about their plants from time to time.

3. Air Purifying Properties: Like many other houseplants, the hanging purple velvet plant helps purify the air by removing toxins and releasing oxygen. It can effectively filter out common indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. By introducing this plant to your space, you can improve the overall air quality and create a healthier living environment.

4. Easy to Propagate: Another benefit of the hanging purple velvet plant is that it’s easy to propagate. This means you can grow new plants from cuttings, allowing you to expand your collection or share with friends and family. Simply take a stem cutting with a few nodes and place it in water or moist soil until it develops roots. Before you know it, you’ll have a whole new plant ready to be displayed!

How to Care for a Hanging Purple Velvet Plant

Taking care of a hanging purple velvet plant is relatively straightforward. Here are some essential care tips to keep in mind:

• Light: Provide your plant with bright indirect light for optimal growth. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.

• Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering your plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s better to underwater than overwater. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency.

• Humidity: The hanging purple velvet plant thrives in high humidity environments. If your home has dry air, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray filled with water near the plant to increase humidity levels.

• Temperature: This plant prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid exposing it to extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts.

• Fertilizer: Feed your hanging purple velvet plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the instructions on the label for proper dosage.

• Pruning: Regularly prune your plant to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch off any leggy or dead stems to promote new growth.

Styling Ideas for the Hanging Purple Velvet Plant

Now that you know how to care for a hanging purple velvet plant let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate it into your interior design:

1. Hanging Baskets: The obvious choice for displaying a hanging purple velvet plant is, well, a hanging basket! Choose a stylish and decorative basket that complements your decor and hang it near a window or in an area where the plant can trail down freely.

2. Macrame Plant Hangers: Embrace the bohemian trend by suspending your purple velvet plant in a macrame plant hanger. This not only adds a touch of texture but also allows you to bring the plant closer to eye level, creating an eye-catching focal point.

3. Terrariums: Get creative and place your hanging purple velvet plant inside a glass terrarium. This will not only protect the plant from pets or children but also create an enclosed environment that helps retain moisture.

4. Wall-mounted Planters: If you’re short on floor or shelf space, consider using wall-mounted planters to display your hanging purple velvet plant. This allows you to utilize vertical space and adds an unexpected element to your walls.

5. Mixed Arrangements: Combine the hanging purple velvet plant with other trailing plants, such as pothos or string of pearls, to create a lush and dynamic arrangement. This works particularly well in larger spaces where you want to make a bold statement.

Conclusion

The hanging purple velvet plant is not only visually stunning but also offers numerous benefits for your indoor space. Its unique appearance, low maintenance nature, air-purifying properties, and easy propagation make it an excellent choice for any plant lover. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your indoor jungle, adding a hanging purple velvet plant will undoubtedly freshen up your space and bring a touch of elegance and drama to your home. So go ahead, embrace the purple velvet trend and enjoy the beauty and benefits this plant has to offer!