Plush Vine
Mikania ternata
Mikania ternata is a trailing vine with lobed, compound leaves that have deep green tops and a vivid purple, velvety underside -- the effect is striking enough that a hanging basket catching some light looks like it is draped in purple velvet. It is in the daisy family, which is not something you would ever guess from looking at it, since it looks nothing like a daisy and everything like a tropical declaration of intent. Your biggest ongoing task will be maintaining enough humidity to keep those leaves from crisping at the edges.
How to grow Plush Vine
bright indirect light (3-6 feet
Keep consistently moist during spring and summer.
50-70%
Moderate: 64-68 degrees F (18-20
African violet mix or a
Stem tip cuttings root readily
Spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies
Fun Facts
Mikania ternata is in the Asteraceae family -- the same enormous family as sunflowers, daisies, and chrysanthemums. It does not look remotely like any of them, which is a testament to how wildly diverse that family really is.
Pet safe
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Considered safe for cats and dogs.
Sources
- Mikania ternata | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
- Mikania - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mikania - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mikania Plush Vine Care: Tips For Growing Plush Vine Houseplants | Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mikania Plush Vine Care: Tips For Growing Plush Vine Houseplants | Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
- Mikania ternata | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science (opens in new tab)Reference
- Purple Pleasure Mikania Ternata: Growing Tips and Care Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
- Purple Pleasure Mikania Ternata: Growing Tips and Care Guide (opens in new tab)Reference