Plant Profile: Gynura aurantiaca

This perennial herb from the Asteraceae family is often cultivated as an indoor plant. It thrives beautifully in hanging baskets and is distinguished by its striking velvety purple leaves and stems. For optimal leaf coloration, it prefers bright, indirect light while being shielded from the harsh afternoon sun. The soil should remain consistently moist, with reduced watering during the winter months to prevent rot from overwatering. In the fall, small clusters of orange-yellow flowers may bloom, although they are less likely to appear in low-light environments. These flowers tend to emit an unpleasant odor and can create a mess, leading many to remove them. The plant features weak stems and a sprawling growth pattern; to encourage a bushier appearance and minimize legginess, regular pinching back of the stems is recommended.