Ruellia simplex
TAXONOMY
FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusRuellia
Zone8
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Ruellia simplex, commonly known as Mexican petunia, is a perennial or subshrub in the family Acanthaceae. Native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, it thrives in subtropical climates. The plant is known for its vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers and can grow up to 1 meter in height. It is often used in landscaping for its ornamental value.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Cryphiacanthus Angustifolius
Arrhostoxylum microphyllum
Mexican petunia
Ruellia brittoniana
Ruellia coerulea
Ruellia ignorantiae
Ruellia longipes
Ruellia malacosperma
Ruellia microphylla
Ruellia spectabilis
Ruellia tweediana
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity70%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Ruellia simplex is relatively easy to care for. It prefers bright, direct sunlight and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. The plant thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile addition to any garden or home.Soil
Ruellia simplex prefers well-draining loam soil. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. A mix of garden soil with some organic matter works well for this plant.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is suitable for Ruellia simplex. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.Repotting
Repot Ruellia simplex every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Ruellia simplex can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Take stem cuttings in the spring or early summer and root them in water or moist soil. Division can be done during repotting by separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for Ruellia simplex to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune the plant in early spring by cutting back any leggy or overgrown stems. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and flowers to keep the plant healthy.Toxicity
Ruellia simplex 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 avoid any accidental ingestion.Additional
Ruellia simplex is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. It can also attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding an extra layer of beauty to your garden.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
