Ruellia makoyana
TAXONOMY
FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusRuellia
Zone10
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Ruellia makoyana, commonly known as the Monkey Plant or Trailing Velvet Plant, is a subshrub native to the tropical regions of Brazil. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is known for its velvety leaves with striking white veins and tubular, magenta flowers. This plant thrives in wet tropical climates and is often grown as an ornamental houseplant.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Dipteracanthus Makoyanus
Dipteracanthus Portellae
Monkey Plant
Velvet Plant
Ruellia portellae
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature22° C
Humidity70%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Ruellia makoyana requires bright, indirect light and should be kept in a location where it can receive several hours of light each day. It prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.Soil
This plant prefers well-draining loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix of potting soil with added perlite or sand can help improve drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.Fertilizer
Feed Ruellia makoyana with a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding during the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.Repotting
Repot the plant every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and refresh the soil mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Ruellia makoyana can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in water or moist soil until roots develop. Once rooted, transplant the cuttings into individual pots.Pruning
Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and trim back leggy stems. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed.Toxicity
Ruellia makoyana is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always a good practice to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
