How to Grow and Care for Velvet Elvis Plants: The Ultimate Guide

Velvet Elvis plants are stunning and easy-to-grow plants that will add a touch of glamour and color to your garden or home. They have velvety leaves that are purple on the underside and green on the top, and they produce bright pink flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about how to grow and care for velvet elvis plants, including their characteristics, requirements, benefits, and common problems. You will also discover some of the best varieties and hybrids of velvet elvis plants, and how to use them in your landscape design. By the end of this article, you will be a velvet elvis plant expert and ready to grow your own!

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

• What are Velvet Elvis Plants?
• How to Grow Velvet Elvis Plants from Seeds or Cuttings
  • Growing Velvet Elvis Plants from Seeds
  • Growing Velvet Elvis Plants from Cuttings
• How to Care for Velvet Elvis Plants in Pots or in the Ground
  • Growing Velvet Elvis Plants in Pots
  • Growing Velvet Elvis Plants in the Ground
• How to Deal with Common Pests and Diseases of Velvet Elvis Plants
• How to Enjoy the Benefits and Uses of Velvet Elvis Plants
• How to Choose the Best Varieties and Hybrids of Velvet Elvis Plants
• Conclusion

What are Velvet Elvis Plants?

Velvet elvis plants are a hybrid variety of plectranthus saccatus, a plant in the mint family that is native to South Africa. They were developed by TERRA NOVA® Nurseries, a company that breeds and sells new varieties of plants. They are also known as spurflower, plectranthus, or coleus, which are common names for some species of plectranthus and solenostemon, a closely related genus of plants.

Velvet elvis plants have a striking appearance, with velvety leaves that are purple on the underside and green on the top. They grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, and have a bushy and mounding habit. They produce bright pink flowers that are tubular and clustered on spikes, and have a sweet and spicy fragrance. The flowers bloom from late summer to fall, and attract hummingbirds and butterflies .

Velvet elvis plants have some unique features that make them stand out from other plants. For example, they have a high tolerance to heat and drought, and can survive in a wide range of climates and soils. They also have a low maintenance and pest-resistant nature, and can thrive with minimal care and attention. They are also versatile and adaptable, and can be grown in pots or in the ground, indoors or outdoors, and in sun or shade .

How to Grow Velvet Elvis Plants from Seeds or Cuttings

You can grow velvet elvis plants from seeds or cuttings, depending on your preference and availability. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so you should weigh them carefully before deciding.

Growing Velvet Elvis Plants from Seeds

Growing velvet elvis plants from seeds is a good option if you want to start from scratch and have more control over the germination and growth process. However, it can also be more challenging and time-consuming, as you will need to provide the right conditions and care for the seeds to sprout and develop.

Here are the steps to grow velvet elvis plants from seeds:

• Step 1: Choose fresh and high-quality seeds from a reliable source, such as a reputable nursery, online shop, or local grower. Avoid old or damaged seeds, as they may not germinate well or at all.
• Step 2: Sow the seeds in spring or summer, when the temperature is warm and stable. You can sow them indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate and preference. If you sow them indoors, you will need to transplant them outdoors later, when they are big enough and the weather is favorable.
• Step 3: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter, such as peat moss and perlite. Fill a shallow tray or a small pot with the potting mix, and moisten it lightly. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface, and press them gently into the soil. Do not cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate.
• Step 4: Place the tray or pot in a warm and bright location, such as a windowsill or a greenhouse. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, by misting it with water regularly. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause the seeds to rot or drown. The seeds should germinate within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the temperature and moisture level.
• Step 5: Once the seeds have sprouted, thin them out to avoid overcrowding and competition. Leave only the strongest and healthiest seedlings, and discard the rest. You can also transplant the seedlings to individual pots or larger containers, if you want to give them more space and nutrients.
• Step 6: Continue to care for the seedlings until they are ready to be moved outdoors or to their final location. This may take several weeks or months, depending on the growth rate and size of the plants. You can also pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and more branching.

Growing Velvet Elvis Plants from Cuttings

Growing velvet elvis plants from cuttings is a good option if you want to clone an existing plant and have a faster and easier way to propagate it. However, it can also be more risky and unpredictable, as you will depend on the health and quality of the parent plant and the cuttings.

Here are the steps to grow velvet elvis plants from cuttings:

• Step 1: Choose a healthy and vigorous plant that you want to clone, and make sure it is free of pests and diseases. Avoid plants that are flowering or stressed, as they may not root well or at all.
• Step 2: Take cuttings in late summer or autumn, when the plant is still actively growing but not blooming. You can take cuttings from any part of the plant, but the best ones are from the tips of the stems, where the growth is young and tender.
• Step 3: Use a sharp and sterile knife or scissors to cut off a 4 to 6 inch long piece of stem, just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and any flowers or buds from the cutting, leaving only 2 to 4 leaves at the top. You can also dip the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone, such as a powder or a gel, to increase the chances of rooting.
• Step 4: Use the same potting mix and container as for the seeds, and prepare them in the same way. Insert the cut end of the cutting into the soil, about 1 to 2 inches deep, and press it firmly. You can plant several cuttings in the same tray or pot, as long as they are spaced apart and not touching each other.
• Step 5: Place the tray or pot in a warm and humid location, such as a plastic bag or a dome. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, by misting it with water regularly. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause the cuttings to rot or drown. The cuttings should root within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the temperature and moisture level.
• Step 6: Once the cuttings have rooted, you can remove the plastic bag or dome, and expose them to more light and air. You can also transplant the cuttings to individual pots or larger containers, if you want to give them more space and nutrients. You can also pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and more branching.

How to Care for Velvet Elvis Plants in Pots or in the Ground

You can grow velvet elvis plants in pots or in the ground, depending on your space and preference. Both options have their pros and cons, so you should consider them carefully before deciding.

Growing Velvet Elvis Plants in Pots

Growing velvet elvis plants in pots is a good option if you have limited space or want to move them around easily. However, it can also be more demanding and restrictive, as you will need to provide the right pot, soil, and drainage for your plants. You will also need to water, fertilize, prune, and repot them more frequently and carefully.

Here are some tips on how to grow and care for velvet elvis plants in pots:

• Choose the right pot: Use a pot that is large enough to accommodate the root system and the growth of your plant, but not too big that it will cause waterlogging or root rot. The pot should also have drainage holes at the bottom, and a saucer or a tray to catch the excess water. You can use any material for your pot, such as plastic, ceramic, metal, or wood, as long as it is sturdy and durable.
• Choose the right soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter, such as peat moss and perlite. You can also add some compost or worm castings to improve the fertility and texture of the soil. Avoid using garden soil or heavy clay soil, as they can compact and suffocate the roots of your plant.
• Water your plant regularly, but not too much: Water your plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, and let the water drain out of the bottom of the pot. Do not let the soil dry out completely, as it can cause wilting and leaf drop. Do not overwater your plant, as it can cause root rot and fungal infections. You can use a watering can, a hose, or a drip irrigation system to water your plant, depending on your convenience and preference.
• Fertilize your plant once a month in spring and summer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, and apply it to the soil around the base of your plant. You can use a general-purpose fertilizer, or a specific one for flowering plants, such as Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. Do not fertilize your plant in fall and winter, as it can cause excessive growth and reduce flowering. Do not overfertilize your plant, as it can cause leaf burn and nutrient imbalance.
• Prune your plant as needed: Prune your plant to keep it in shape and remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can also pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and more branching. You can prune your plant anytime, but the best time is in early spring, before the new growth starts. Use a sharp and sterile knife or scissors to make clean and smooth cuts, and dispose of the pruned material properly.
• Repot your plant when it becomes root-bound or outgrows its pot: Repot your plant every year or two, or when you notice that the roots are circling around the pot or coming out of the drainage holes. You can use a slightly larger pot with drainage holes and a good quality potting mix. Gently remove your plant from its old pot, and loosen the root ball with your fingers. Trim off any dead or damaged roots, and place your plant in the new pot. Fill the gaps with fresh soil, and press it firmly. Water your plant well, and place it in a shady spot for a few days to help it adjust.

Growing Velvet Elvis Plants in the Ground

Growing velvet elvis plants in the ground is a good option if you have enough space and want to create a permanent and natural look. However, it can also be more challenging and variable, as you will need to adapt to the conditions and climate of your location. You will also need to prepare the soil, mulch, and weed your plants.

Here are some tips on how to grow and care for velvet elvis plants in the ground:

• Choose the right location: Choose a sunny or partly shaded location for your plants, where they can receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid full shade, as it can reduce the color and vibrancy of your plants. Avoid windy or exposed areas, as they can damage or dry out your plants.
• Prepare the soil: Prepare the soil by digging it up and loosening it. Add some organic matter, such as compost or manure, to improve the drainage and fertility of the soil. You can also add some sand or gravel to improve the aeration and texture of the soil. Avoid using soil that is too acidic or alkaline, as it can affect the growth and health of your plants. You can test the pH of your soil with a kit or a meter, and adjust it accordingly with lime or sulfur.
• Plant your plants: Plant your plants in spring or summer, when the temperature is warm and stable. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your plant, and place your plant in the hole. Fill the hole with soil, and press it firmly. Water your plant well, and add some mulch around the base to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. You can plant your plants in groups or rows, or mix them with other plants, such as succulents, herbs, and flowers. Space your plants about 18 to 24 inches apart, to allow for air circulation and growth.
• Water your plants regularly, but not too much: Water your plants when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, and let the water soak into the ground. Do not let the soil dry out completely, as it can cause wilting and leaf drop. Do not overwater your plants, as it can cause root rot and fungal infections. You can use a watering can, a hose, or a drip irrigation system to water your plants, depending on your convenience and preference.
• Fertilize your plants once a month in spring and summer: Use a balanced granular fertilizer, and apply it to the soil around the base of your plants. You can use a general-purpose fertilizer, or a specific one for flowering plants, such as Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Granular Plant Food. Do not fertilize your plants in fall and winter, as it can cause excessive growth and reduce flowering. Do not overfertilize your plants, as it can cause leaf burn and nutrient imbalance.
• Prune your plants as needed: Prune your plants to keep them in shape and remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can also pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth and more branching. You can prune your plants anytime, but the best time is in early spring, before the new growth starts. Use a sharp and sterile knife or scissors to make clean and smooth cuts, and dispose of the pruned material properly.
• Mulch and weed your plants: Mulch your plants with organic materials, such as bark, straw, or leaves, to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. You can also use inorganic materials, such as gravel, pebbles, or rocks, to create a decorative and contrasting effect. Weed your plants regularly, by pulling out any unwanted plants that grow near or among your plants. You can also use a hoe, a cultivator, or a weed killer to remove the weeds, but be careful not to damage your plants.

How to Deal with Common Pests and Diseases of Velvet Elvis Plants

Velvet elvis plants are generally pest-resistant and disease-free, but they can still be affected by some common problems that can harm their health and appearance. You should watch out for these pests and diseases, and treat them as soon as possible, to prevent them from spreading and causing more damage.

Here are some of the common pests and diseases that affect velvet elvis plants, and how to deal with them:

• Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of various moths and butterflies, and they can feed on the leaves of velvet elvis plants, leaving holes and chewed edges. You can identify them by their worm-like bodies, which can be green, brown, black, or striped, and their presence of silk or frass (droppings) on the plants. You can control them by picking them off by hand, or spraying them with a natural insecticide, such as neem oil or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
• Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the stems and leaves of velvet elvis plants, causing them to curl, wilt, or yellow. You can identify them by their pear-shaped bodies, which can be green, black, white, or pink, and their tendency to form colonies on the undersides of the leaves or on the tips of the stems. You can control them by washing them off with a strong jet of water, or spraying them with a natural insecticide, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, oval-shaped insects that suck the sap from the stems and leaves of velvet elvis plants, causing them to distort, drop, or die. You can identify them by their white, cottony, or waxy coating, and their presence of honeydew (a sticky substance) or sooty mold (a black fungus) on the plants. You can control them by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, or spraying them with a natural insecticide, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that suck the sap from the leaves of velvet elvis plants, causing them to speckle, bronze, or dry out. You can identify them by their red, yellow, or green bodies, and their presence of fine webbing or dust on the plants. You can control them by increasing the humidity and air circulation around the plants, or spraying them with a natural insecticide, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of velvet elvis plants, causing them to develop white, powdery, or fuzzy spots or patches. You can identify it by its appearance, and its tendency to spread quickly and reduce the photosynthesis and respiration of the plants. You can control it by reducing the humidity and improving the air circulation around the plants, or spraying them with a natural fungicide, such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
• Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of velvet elvis plants, causing them to decay, brown, or mushy. You can identify it by its symptoms, such as wilting, yellowing, or dropping of the leaves, or stunting or dying of the plants. You can control it by avoiding overwatering and improving the drainage of the soil, or applying a natural fungicide, such as cinnamon or chamomile tea.

How to Enjoy the Benefits and Uses of Velvet Elvis Plants

Velvet elvis plants are not only beautiful and easy to grow, but also beneficial and useful for various purposes. You can enjoy their benefits and uses in different ways, such as:

• Attracting pollinators: Velvet elvis plants are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, which are important pollinators for many plants and crops. You can attract them to your garden or home by planting velvet elvis plants in sunny or partly shaded areas, where they can see and smell the flowers. You can also provide them with water, such as a birdbath or a fountain, where they can drink and bathe.
• Purifying the air: Velvet elvis plants are effective at purifying the air, as they can absorb and filter out harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. You can improve the air quality in your indoor spaces by placing velvet elvis plants in pots or hanging baskets, where they can receive enough light and ventilation. You can also mist them with water occasionally, to increase the humidity and remove dust and dirt from the leaves.
• Adding beauty and color: Velvet elvis plants are a great way to add beauty and color to your containers, borders, beds, hanging baskets, and indoor spaces. You can create stunning and eye-catching arrangements by combining velvet elvis plants with other plants, such as succulents, herbs, and flowers. You can also choose different varieties and hybrids of velvet elvis plants, such as ‘Velvet Elvis’, ‘Mona Lavender’, ‘Silver Shield’, and ‘Troy’s Gold’, to create a variety of colors and textures.
• Using the flowers and leaves: Velvet elvis plant flowers and leaves are edible and medicinal, and can be used for tea, potpourri, and crafts. You can harvest the flowers and leaves when they are fresh and dry, and store them in airtight containers. You can use them to make tea, by steeping them in hot water for a few minutes, and adding honey or lemon for flavor. You can use them to make potpourri, by mixing them with other dried flowers, herbs, and spices, and adding some essential oils for fragrance. You can use them to make crafts, by pressing them between books or paper, and using them for cards, bookmarks, or collages.

How to Choose the Best Varieties and Hybrids of Velvet Elvis Plants

Velvet elvis plants come in a range of varieties and hybrids, each with its own size, shape, color, and flower. You can choose the best ones for your needs and preferences, depending on the following factors:

• Size: Velvet elvis plants can vary in size, from 6 inches to 2 feet tall and wide. You can choose the size that suits your space and design, whether you want to grow them in pots or in the ground, indoors or outdoors, and in sun or shade. For example, you can choose smaller varieties, such as ‘Mona Lavender’, for containers or hanging baskets, and larger varieties, such as ‘Velvet Elvis’, for borders or beds.
• Shape: Velvet elvis plants can have different shapes, from round and mounding to upright and spreading. You can choose the shape that complements your style and theme, whether you want to create a formal or informal look, a symmetrical or asymmetrical balance, or a focal point or a background. For example, you can choose round and mounding varieties, such as ‘Silver Shield’, for a formal and symmetrical look, and upright and spreading varieties, such as ‘Troy’s Gold’, for an informal and asymmetrical look.
• Color: Velvet elvis plants can have different colors, from purple and green to pink and gold. You can choose the color that matches your mood and taste, whether you want to create a warm or cool effect, a contrast or harmony, or a bright or subtle impression. For example, you can choose purple and green varieties, such as ‘Velvet Elvis’, for a cool and harmonious effect, and pink and gold varieties, such as ‘Troy’s Gold’, for a warm and contrasting effect.
• Flower: Velvet elvis plants can have different flowers, from tubular and clustered to star-shaped and solitary. You can choose the flower that appeals to your senses and interests, whether you want to attract pollinators, enjoy the fragrance, or admire the beauty. For example, you can choose tubular and clustered flowers, such as ‘Velvet Elvis’, to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, star-shaped and solitary flowers, such as ‘Mona Lavender’, to enjoy the sweet and spicy fragrance, or both, such as ‘Silver Shield’, to admire the beauty.

You can find and buy velvet elvis plants from reputable nurseries, online shops, or local growers, where you can see and compare the different varieties and hybrids. You can also ask for advice and recommendations from the staff or the experts, who can help you choose the best ones for your needs and preferences. You can also read reviews and feedback from other customers or gardeners, who can share their experiences and tips with you.

Conclusion

You have learned how to grow and care for velvet elvis plants, the stunning and easy-to-grow plants that will add a touch of glamour and color to your garden or home. You have learned about their characteristics, requirements, benefits, and common problems, and how to deal with them. You have also discovered some of the best varieties and hybrids of velvet elvis plants, and how to use them in your landscape design.

Now that you are a velvet elvis plant expert, you are ready to grow your own and enjoy their beauty and charm. You can also share your experiences, questions, or feedback with us, by leaving a comment below or contacting us through our website. We would love to hear from you and help you with your gardening journey.

Thank you for reading this article, and happy gardening!