Paloma, a Baby Gynura Aurantiaca, Purple Passion, or Velvet Plant, is a member of the flowering daisy family, Asteraceae. Native to Southeast Asia, Paloma is now more commonly found as a houseplant.
Paloma's leaves and stems are dark green, covered with soft purple 'hairs' that give a velvety touch to the plant. Usually, flowers are rewards for well-kept houseplants, but Paloma's flowers have a strong unpleasant odour, so you might want to avoid them!
Paloma, Baby Gynura Purple Passion
Paloma prefers bright indirect light to partial shade, without prolonged exposure to direct sun - a touch of morning sunlight wouldn’t go a miss.
If you’re not sure what level of light you have, check the shadows cast by your plant:
- Minimal shadow = lower light
- Half shadow = indirect light
- Full shadow = direct sun