Origin and Common Names
Gynura picridifolia (DC.) Burtt Davy, commonly known as White Butterfly Bush and Red Veined Gynura, is a herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as China, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to three feet in height and four feet in width. It has a shrubby, spreading growth habit and is often used as a ground cover. The leaves are large, lance-shaped, and have prominent veins that are red or purple in color, giving the plant its common name. The leaves are also covered in tiny white hairs, which give them a soft and fuzzy texture. The plant produces small, daisy-like flowers that are white or pale pink in color.
Uses
Gynura picridifolia is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique and attractive foliage. It is often used in landscaping and gardening for its ground cover capabilities and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory and digestive issues, as well as external wounds. The leaves are also edible and are often consumed in salads or used as a garnish.
Light Requirements
Gynura picridifolia requires bright but indirect sunlight to grow. The plant should be placed near a window that receives morning or evening sun, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Gynura picridifolia is between 18 °C to 26 °C (64 °F to 79 °F) during the day and 15 °C to 20 °C (59 °F to 68 °F) at night. It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts or extreme temperature changes, as it can harm the overall growth and health of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Gynura picridifolia requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moderately moist, but not waterlogged. A mixture of peat, coco coir, and perlite is ideal for the plant to grow. It is important to avoid over-watering the plant as it can cause root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements
Gynura picridifolia thrives on regular feeding with a well-balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil every other month during the growing season. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to the burning of the roots.
Humidity Requirements
Gynura picridifolia prefers moderate to high humidity levels to thrive. A humidity level of around 50% is ideal for the plant's growth. You can mist the leaves regularly to keep the humidity levels high or use a pebble tray filled with water to create a humid environment for the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Gynura picridifolia (DC.) Burtt Davy, commonly known as the Velvet plant, is an easy-to-grow ornamental plant that does well under standard indoor conditions. The plant thrives in warm and humid environments, making it ideal for growing in greenhouses and terrariums.
When it comes to cultivation, Gynura picridifolia prefers bright, indirect sunlight, and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate occasional periods of drought, but it's best to keep the soil evenly moist.
Gynura picridifolia can be propagated via stem cuttings, which should be taken in spring or summer. The cuttings should be allowed to callus for several hours before being planted in well-draining soil and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Watering Needs
Gynura picridifolia requires moderate watering, which means that its soil should be kept moist throughout its growing period. However, overwatering should be avoided, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. It's advisable to water the plant only when the soil surface feels dry to the touch.
To water the plant, remove the pot's drainage tray and tip the pot to allow excess water to drain out. This prevents root rot and increases the soil's oxygenation, which is essential for the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Gynura picridifolia requires regular fertilization to maintain its vibrant foliage. It's advisable to use a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied following the manufacturer's instructions, diluted to half the recommended concentration.
Overfertilization should be avoided, as it can cause leaf burn, which results in yellow spots on the leaves.
Pruning
Gynura picridifolia is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 18 inches tall. Pruning is necessary to control its size and shape. Pruning the plant is easy, as you only need to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant. It's advisable to prune the plant after its blooming period.
When pruning, ensure that you use a sharp and disinfected pair of pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases. Furthermore, you should avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant to avoid stunting its growth.
Propagation of Gynura Picridifolia
Gynura Picridifolia, also known as the velvet plant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Propagation of the velvet plant can be done through various methods including stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division of the root ball.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
The best time to take stem cuttings for propagation is during the growing season, from late spring to early autumn. Using a sharp and sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears, take a stem cutting from the parent plant. The cutting should be at least 6 inches in length and should have a few leaves attached to it.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting well and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity around the plant. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, avoiding direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots, and new growth will appear.
Propagation via Leaf Cuttings
Propagation via leaf cuttings is similar to stem cuttings. Select a healthy leaf from the parent plant and remove it from the stem. Using a sharp and sterilized pair of scissors, cut the leaf into pieces, making sure that each piece has a small stem attached to it.
Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder and place the leaf cuttings in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cuttings well and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity around the plant. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, avoiding direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the cuttings will develop roots, and new growth will appear.
Propagation via Division of Root Ball
Propagation via division of the root ball is the easiest and most effective method of propagating Gynura Picridifolia. Carefully lift the parent plant from its pot and gently remove the soil around its roots. Divide the root ball into sections, making sure that each section has some healthy roots and shoots attached to it.
Place each section in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, making sure that the roots are covered with soil. Water the plants well and place them in a warm and bright location, avoiding direct sunlight. After a few weeks, the plants will develop new growth and will be ready for further care.
Disease Management for Gynura picridifolia (DC.) Burtt Davy
Gynura picridifolia (DC.) Burtt Davy is susceptible to different diseases that may limit its growth and development. Proper disease management strategies must be consistently implemented to ensure the optimal production of this plant.
Leaf Spot Diseases
Leaf spot diseases, caused by fungal infection, appear as circular to irregular spots on the leaves of the plant and may lead to defoliation when severe. To manage this disease, infected plant parts should be removed immediately and disposed of properly. The plant can also be treated with a fungicide that contains copper to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease that is caused by fungal infection in the roots of the plant. It can lead to wilting, yellowing, and ultimately death of the plant. The soil should be allowed to dry out before the next watering, and a fungicide containing copper or thiophanate-methyl should be applied to the soil to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Gynura picridifolia (DC.) Burtt Davy
Gynura picridifolia (DC.) Burtt Davy is also susceptible to different pests that may limit its growth and development. Proper pest management strategies must be consistently implemented to ensure the optimal production of this plant.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing discoloration and leaf drop. They are difficult to detect and control, but it is essential to regularly monitor the plant to prevent their spread. The use of insecticidal soaps, Neem oil, or horticultural oils can be effective in controlling spider mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are white, fluffy insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They may also attract other pests like ants. The use of insecticidal soap or Neem oil can be effective for controlling mealybugs. Pruning of the affected parts of the plant and the use of sticky traps can also help in reducing their numbers.
