There are many different types of plants that have soft textures. Determining the specific kinds of plants that feel soft depends on what part of the plant is being examined. Leaves, flowers, stems, and some roots can feel soft to the touch while other plant parts like branches or bark may feel rough or hard. When thinking about soft plants, most people probably imagine soft, fuzzy leaves or delicate flowers. However, the roots or stems of some plants can also have a soft, spongy texture.
Plants With Soft Leaves
Some examples of plants that are known for their soft, fuzzy leaves include:
– Lamb’s ear – The leaves of lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) are covered in soft, downy hairs that give them a velvety texture. The leaves are also known for their soft gray-green color.
– Mullein – Both common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and woolly mullein (Verbascum olympicum) have large, velvety leaves covered in soft hairs. The hairs give the mullein leaves a felt-like texture.
– African violet – African violets (Saintpaulia) are popular houseplants known for their fuzzy, oval-shaped leaves that feel like soft velvet. There are many cultivars with leaves in shades of green, purple, pink, and more.
– Pennyroyal – Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a mint family plant with tiny soft leaves. Crushing the leaves releases a strong minty aroma.
– Plantain lily – The large, oval leaves of plantain lily (Hosta) have a thick, soft texture. There are many Hosta varieties with green, blue, yellow, or variegated leaves.
Soft Flowers
Flowers that feel soft and velvety to the touch include:
– Roses – Roses are classic soft flowers. Most varieties have velvety, delicately scented petals perfect for touching and smelling.
– Carnations – Carnations have ruffled, velvety petals and a sweet, clove-like scent. Many carnation colors are available like pink, red, yellow, and white.
– Hibiscus – Large, showy hibiscus flowers have thick, soft petals. Tropical hibiscus varieties can bloom year-round in warm climates.
– Gardenia – Gardenia flowers are known for their soft, waxy white petals and intoxicating floral scent.
– Lilac – Lilac blooms feature tiny, paper-thin petals clustered into large panicles with a soft, powdery texture.
Plants With Soft Stems
Some plants have soft, flexible stems including:
– Spearmint – Spearmint (Mentha spicata) has Signature square-shaped stems that are soft and bendable. Pinching a stem releases a burst of minty aroma.
– Chives – Slender chive stems feel soft and pliable. Regularly snipping chives encourages new growth. The mild onion flavor is perfect for cooking.
– Marshmallow plant – Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) has velvety stems that produce a sticky mucilage, which is how the fluffy marshmallow confection got its name.
– Purslane – Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) has fleshy, reddish stems that emerge in a sprawling habit from a central taproot. It’s considered both a garden weed and edible green.
– Flowering tobacco – Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata) produces soft, bendable stems up to 5 feet tall topped with fragrant, trumpet-shaped blooms that open in the evening.
Soft Plant Roots & Rhizomes
Below ground, some plants have soft, spongy roots or rhizomes such as:
| Plant | Root/Rhizome Texture |
|---|---|
| Begonia | Fleshy, brittle rhizomes |
| Iris | Soft, bulb-like rhizomes |
| Sweet potato | Plump, storage roots with soft skin |
| Dandelion | Taproot feels smooth and spongy when cut |
| Arrowroot | Thick, soft, starch-filled tuberous roots |
The roots and underground rhizomes of these plants tend to feel softly textured compared to tougher, woody roots. The roots store water and nutrients to help the plant thrive.
Caring for Soft Plants
Caring for soft-leaved plants requires a gentle touch. Rubbing or handling the leaves too roughly can damage the soft hairs, fibers or delicate skin. To care for soft plants:
– Mist leaves instead of directly watering to prevent spotting or mold. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
– Use sharp, clean pruners or scissors to prevent tearing if trimming is needed. Make cuts above leaf nodes or buds.
– Keep soft indoor plants out of direct sunlight, which can scorch tender leaves and flowers. Bright, indirect light is best.
– Use a soft cloth to gently wipe dust off leaves. Avoid abrasive cleaning.
– Repot root-bound plants carefully to avoid crushing soft tubers and rhizomes. Loosen roots before transplanting.
– Protect outdoor plants with a winter mulch in cold climates. Cover tender perennials once they die back.
With proper care, fabric-soft-textured plants can thrive indoors and outdoors for many years.
Conclusion
Many pleasingly soft plant varieties can be incorporated into gardens and indoor spaces. Fuzzy lamb’s ear, velvety African violets, downy rose petals, flexible stems of spearmint, and delicate iris rhizomes all offer appealingly smooth textures. Caring for these plants requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the soft plant parts. With proper watering, sunlight, humidity, cleaning, and pruning, soft-leaved plants and flowers will continue looking and feeling luxuriously velvety and supple for seasons to come.
