Without more information, this sounds like an African violet. Assuming it is, it needs a moist and spot with good indirect sunlight, such as a bathroom.
The only plants with velvety leaves are cabbage and kale. Plants like Brussels sprouts and Kale are velvety. Also anything of the vegetable sort that grows from the ground in patches.
Purple passion is easy to grow and needs an area where there is bright light. It also needs to be watered as soon as the soil in the pot feels dry to the touch, though one must be careful not to over-water it. Feeding you plant every so many months is a good thing to do also.
