Question
Hi Will.
I bought a nice  small purple velvet plant at a garage sale today and it's been about 20 years since I've had one. This one seems nice & healthy now. It's in a 4" nursery container.I've put it in an east facing window that gets morning sun. I don't remember much about the care of it...light, temperature, watering, fertilzing....it will be an indoor plant as we live in the Pacific Northwest.(Central Oregon coast) I vaguely remember mine used to get yellow/orange flowers or am I confusing it with something else?
I have absolute faith in your response because you identified a Jasmine plant for me. It's doing great by the way! I didn't cut it as far back as you probably would have but it's till looking good & healthy. I've repotted it as you suggested since it was needing water about every 2 days.
Your info is my Bible. Thanks again for your advice!
Jeanette  

Answer
Hi Jeanette,

Thank you for your complimentary comments. That is high praise indeed and very much appreciated. I will do my best to maintain my reputation with you.

Purple velvet plant is also called purple passion plant. Its botanical name is Gynura sarmentosa. It does best in a sunny window where the purple color will be more vibrant. Resist the urge to repot it prematurely because it will grow better when potbound. Water thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry. Keep the foliage dry when watering and don't mist it. Fertilize sparingly when it is growing actively.

Like most hanging/vining plants, the purple passion plant (Gynura sarmentosa) should be pruned back before it looks like it needs to be pruned back. Whenever you get a strand that looks a little long, cut it back to a length of 2 to 4 inches above the soil line. The new growth will start at the point that you cut the stem. The cuttings of this plant root quite readily in plain water. You can also try rooting the cuttings in the same pot.

In good conditions it will produce small yellow flowers. Many people find the odor of these flowers objectionable and cut them off before they open.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]