19 Disadvantages of Velvet Plants You Should Know About

Velvet plants, with their soft, fuzzy leaves, can be quite the eye-catcher. But, as with any plant, they come with their own set of challenges. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or a newbie trying to spruce up your space, it's good to know what you're getting into before you bring one of these beauties home.

In this article, we’ll go through 19 potential drawbacks of velvet plants. By understanding these challenges, you can decide if this plant fits your lifestyle and how to navigate the hurdles if you choose to take the plunge.

1. Sensitivity to Overwatering

Many velvet plants, including the popular Gynura aurantiaca, are prone to root rot if overwatered. Their fuzzy leaves might suggest they need a lot of moisture, but in reality, their roots prefer well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and eventually, a dead plant.

To avoid this, always check the soil moisture level before watering. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time for a drink. Consider using a pot with drainage holes to help prevent water from sitting at the bottom.

2. Prone to Pest Infestations

Velvet plants can be a magnet for pests like spider mites and aphids. These pests love the dense, velvety texture of the leaves, making it their cozy home. You'll often find tiny webs or sticky residue on the leaves, a sure sign of an infestation.

Regularly inspect your plant and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep pests at bay. If you do find pests, a mixture of water and dish soap sprayed onto the leaves can often solve the problem. Remember to rinse the leaves afterward to avoid soap buildup.

3. High Humidity Requirement

These plants originate from tropical regions and thrive in high humidity. If you live in a dry area, maintaining the right humidity levels can be challenging. Without enough moisture in the air, the edges of the leaves can turn brown and crispy.

To boost humidity, you can mist the plant regularly, place it on a humidity tray, or use a humidifier. Grouping plants together can also help create a more humid microenvironment.

4. Susceptibility to Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a common issue where leaves develop brown or black spots due to fungal or bacterial infections. This can happen if water sits on the leaves for too long or if the plant is in a crowded, poorly ventilated space.

To prevent this, ensure good air circulation around your plant. When watering, try to water the soil directly and avoid splashing the leaves. If leaf spot does occur, remove the affected leaves and adjust your care routine.

5. Limited Temperature Tolerance

Velvet plants prefer a warm environment and don't handle temperature fluctuations well. If temperatures drop too low, they can suffer from cold damage, which manifests as blackened or limp leaves.

Keep your plant in a stable environment, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing it near drafty windows or doors where cold air can harm it.

6. Need for Indirect Light

While velvet plants enjoy bright light, direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, causing them to lose their velvety texture and vibrant color. Yellow or bleached patches on the leaves often indicate too much sun exposure.

Position your plant in a spot with bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is usually ideal, or you can use sheer curtains to diffuse the light.

7. Sensitivity to Fertilizer

These plants are not heavy feeders, and over-fertilizing can lead to fertilizer burn, resulting in brown tips and edges on the leaves. This sensitivity means you must be cautious with how often and how much you feed your velvet plant.

During the growing season, fertilize with a diluted houseplant fertilizer every month or two. In the dormant winter months, you can skip feeding altogether.

8. Potential Toxicity

Velvet plants can be toxic if ingested, posing a risk to pets and small children. The leaves contain compounds that may cause stomach upset or skin irritation if touched frequently.

If you have curious pets or young kids, place the plant out of reach or choose a non-toxic alternative. Always wash your hands after handling the plant to avoid any irritation.

9. Short Lifespan

Unlike some houseplants that can last for years, velvet plants typically have a shorter lifespan of about 2-3 years. After this period, they may become leggy or lose their vibrant color.

To prolong their beauty, you can take cuttings and propagate new plants. This not only breathes new life into your collection but also gives you the chance to share plants with friends!

10. Limited Growth Habits

Velvet plants are known for their bushy, sprawling growth. While this can be charming, it also means they can quickly outgrow their space, becoming unruly and sprawling over other plants or furniture.

Regular pruning helps manage their size and shape. Trim back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.

11. Difficulty in Propagation

While propagation can extend a velvet plant's life, it can be tricky. Not every cutting will take root, and some may rot before they can establish themselves.

For best results, take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems and place them in water or moist soil. Be patient and keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until new roots develop.

12. Risk of Root Bound

Velvet plants can become root-bound if they outgrow their pot, which can stunt their growth and make them more susceptible to disease.

Check the roots every year by gently lifting the plant out of its pot. If the roots are circling the bottom or poking out of the drainage holes, it's time to repot into a slightly larger container.

13. Potential for Allergies

Some people might be allergic to the fine hairs on the leaves, which can cause skin irritation upon contact. If you notice itching or redness after handling the plant, it's best to wear gloves when caring for it.

Keeping the plant well-dusted can also minimize the risk of irritation, as dust can cling to the hairs and exacerbate allergies.

14. Challenges with Soil

Velvet plants thrive in well-draining soil, which can sometimes be hard to find or create. Standard potting mixes often hold too much moisture, putting your plant at risk of root rot.

You can make your own mix by combining standard potting soil with perlite or sand. This will improve drainage and help keep your plant healthy.

15. Difficulty in Finding Mature Plants

While velvet plants are popular, finding mature specimens can be difficult. Nurseries and garden centers often stock young plants, which require more time and care to establish.

If you're set on a mature plant, consider looking for a local plant swap or online plant groups where people might be willing to trade.

16. Not Ideal for Low-Light Conditions

If your home is on the darker side, a velvet plant might not be the best fit. These plants need bright, indirect light to thrive, and low-light conditions can lead to leggy growth and dull-colored leaves.

In lower light situations, you might need to supplement with artificial grow lights to keep your plant looking its best.

17. High Maintenance

Velvet plants require regular attention, from watering and feeding to pruning and pest management. If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant, this might not be the one for you.

However, if you enjoy plant care as a hobby, the routine maintenance can be quite rewarding, providing a regular opportunity to connect with your plant.

18. Susceptibility to Frost

These tropical beauties are not frost-tolerant and need to be protected from cold weather. If you live in an area with frosty winters, you'll need to bring your plant indoors well before temperatures drop.

Keep your plant in a warm spot away from drafts, and consider using a grow light if natural light is scarce during the winter months.

19. Limited Availability of Varieties

While there are several types of velvet plants, the variety available in stores can be limited. This can make it difficult to find the exact plant you're looking for or to expand your collection with different species.

Online plant shops or specialty nurseries may offer a broader selection, but availability can vary depending on the season and demand.

Final Thoughts

Velvet plants bring a unique charm with their soft, colorful leaves, but they do come with challenges. From overwatering issues to pest problems, these plants require a bit more attention than your average houseplant. However, with the right care, they can be a stunning addition to your home.

At Cafe Planta, we're passionate about helping you find and care for the perfect plants. Whether you have questions or need advice on houseplant care, we're here to help. Feel free to email us or send a message on Instagram. We believe in the power of plants to bring people together and connect us with nature.