Purple Velvet Plant
Common Name: Purple Passion Vine, Purple Velvet Plant
Latin Name: Gynura sarmentosa
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Tropical Perennial
Origin: Indonesia
Blooming Time: Spring, early summer
Humidity: High
Temperature: 65 – 85*F
Height: 9′ or more
Color: Green, purple
Insects and Diseases: Aphids, mealy bugs
Description:
The Purple Velvet Plant is a gorgeous plant that has greenish leaves covered with a velvety purple fuzzy hairs. Each leaf has multiple tips and the underside is generally a reddish purple. Blooms are a yellowish orange color and have a very bad odor.
Lighting:
Purple Passions should be placed where it can receive bright, but filtered sunlight. If the plant doesn’t get enough lighting it’s leaves will start to fade and it will lose it’s brilliant purple color.
Watering:
The Purple Passion has delicate roots and soil should be kept moderately moist at all times. The soils surface can be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid over watering as the plant is very prone to root rot.
Soil:
Use a good potting soil that retains moisture but will drain well. Rocks can be added to the bottom of the pot for extra drainage. The roots will quickly rot if they’re allowed to sit in drenched soil.
Fertilization:
Fertilize your Purple Passion every week during the growing periods. Use a high quality, water soluble plant food and mix to half the recommended strength. Feeding should be stopped or decreased through the winter months, unless you can tell that the plant is still growing.
Propagation:
Purple Passion can be easily propagated through stem cuttings any time of the year. Cuttings can be kept in water until the roots have grown. You can also place the cutting into a good quality potting soil. Roots will normally appear within one to two weeks.
Toxicity-Poisonous:
The toxicity level of Purple Passion differs in opinions. While it is listed on the non-toxic plant list and is generally thought to be non-poisonous, it should not be ingested. And, some people may have an allergic reaction to the plant.
Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved
That’s a gorgeous pic of Purple Passion. Thanks so much for such relevent info on care and propagation. Will come in very handy when the plant I’ve ordered arrives. I’m so looking forward to rooting cuttings and having lots of plants. Have also ordered two hindu rope plants (one variegated), which also root well from cuttings. What fun it’s going to be !
Thank you for the information I Love the looks of this plant and I have really been having a problem trying to find these plant. When I do find them on the internet the shipping cost is more than the plant. Can you help???
I live in Michigan and have tried to get this plant. I know that this plant is very delicate and tempermental. If I have it shipped will it be okay and who is reputable to buy from in my area so that I can get it in one peice?
I found a beautiful Purple Passion Plant, but it is covered with aphids. What is the best way to get rid of them?
Thank you so much for this information on the purple velvet plant. My mom has several of these plants in her house. She pinched one off and put it in water and when it got lots of roots she gave it to me. This is the only plant that I have been able to keep alive for more then a month or so….always forgetting to water my plants so they die. But not this one!!! Well my mom passed away last week and I never knew the name of the plant so I looked it up. The name fits it perfect! My mom loved these because they seem to change color from purple to green when you move them around. Now with this information I can now continue what my mom has always done. Let them grow pinch put in water and let them grow some more. Them give the piches to friends, family and more!! Thank you so much. Diane
This plant is lovely and very low maintance
The color is a nice pop to a container garden.
Tari: I purchase one at Home Depot, but there is here in Florida. Talk to a nursary, they might be able to special order a plant or help you to find one!
I just bought two of these at Lowe’s, they’re almost impossible to find here in Ky to. I do know that some of the nursery’s have them, but they’re really high there. These are one of my all time favorite plants.
I’ve never had a problem with aphids or spider mites, but I’ve read that you can mix a little bit of insecticidal soap in some water and spray it on them. As far as having one shipped, I would think that if it’s a reputable seller and they package it right it should be fine. All the places I’ve looked at online ship plants priority, so it wouldn’t be boxed up long.
I purchased mine at Home Depot as well, in Virginia. It is very important to follow the watering instructions. I lost my first one, which was a gift, to root rot. I’m hoping to have better luck this time.
I bought mine at Home Depot in Texas. I didn’t know I could pinch it off & root like that. Mine is growing into one long vine. Thanks for the help!
I bought one of these on ebay last year. I was getting ready to buy another one because mine is just one stem/vine. I did not know that I could pinch them off and let them root. Should I pinch a leaf off…or does it have to be the main stem?
To Diane…I’m sorry for the loss of your mother.
HI my name is maria gonsalves I adore the purple velvet plant I have called some nurseries to buy this beautiful plant if you can mail me the plant I would be so grateful
I love that beautiful velvet if you can send me please let me know I will be looking for your response thank you so very much