Ruellia

Family. Acanthaceae.

Origin. Tropics of South America.

Description. The genus "Ruellia" or "dipteracanthus" includes about 150 species of evergreen perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs and subshrubs. The leaves are arranged oppositely or alternately, dark green, oblong-elliptic with a sharp tip, have velvety pubescence, from 7 to 15 cm long, depending on the species. In some species, the veins on the leaves are colored in a lighter tone, and the lower part of the leaf blade is dark purple. The flowers are funnel-shaped, solitary, axillary, and can appear on the tops of stems at any time of the year, but the main peak of flowering occurs in spring and summer. The buds can be white, pink, blue and purple, reaching 6 cm in diameter.

Height. Depending on the species, even an indoor flower can reach up to 2 m or more. Some varieties have creeping stems and do not exceed 50 cm in height.

Caring at home

When it blooms 

Flowering time depends on the species and can occur at any time of the year with proper care. 

Reproduction

Ruellia is propagated by 8-10 cm long cuttings in early March. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the lower end in rooting powder. Cover the young seedlings with a transparent bag or glass to maintain humidity and place in a well-lit, warm place, watering moderately. By dividing adult specimens when replanting in spring.

Growing at home 

An undemanding genus that needs light, warmth and humidity for normal development. Tall bushes require regular pruning to maintain a compact shape. After flowering, a rest period of 6-8 weeks is required.

Transplanting

In the spring, if necessary.

Diseases and pests 

Ruellia foliage curls and dries out when exposed to excess direct sunlight or lack of moisture. Powdery mildew due to insufficient air movement near the plant.

Insect pests that can attack a flower include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. 

Containment temperature

Year-round at room temperature 18 - 20 ° C. During the winter dormant period, it is possible to lower the temperature to 13 - 15 ° C. 

Lighting

The formation of buds directly depends on lighting conditions. Place the bush in a brightly lit place with light shading on hot summer days. It is desirable that the shoots and leaves receive 3-4 hours of sun daily in the morning and evening hours.

Soil 

Moist, well-drained soil consisting of garden soil, leaf humus and peat; with the addition of coarse river sand and perlite to improve drainage.

Feeding

Regularly, 2 times a month with liquid fertilizers in the warm season. 

Spraying

Maintain a humid atmosphere by misting with room temperature water or placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles.

Water ruellia

Water sparingly during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During the dormant period, simply protect the soil from drying out completely.

Purpose

The drooping stems of this plant will look especially good in hanging baskets. 

Note

Ruellia can live for many years indoors with good care.

Varieties:

Ruellia Brittoniana, Ruellia simplex

Perennial evergreen shrub up to 90 - 120 cm in height. The stems are thin, abundantly branched at the base. The leaves are narrow, linear, green, entire, 15 - 30 cm long. The flowers are large, solitary, funnel-shaped, consisting of 5 fused round petals, appearing on the tops shoots. The petals are colored purple, pink, and less often white. 

Ruellia portellae

 Evergreen tropical perennial with lodging stems. The plant can be safely classified as both decorative foliage and flowering. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, soft, entire, dark green (sometimes brownish), reaching a length of 10 cm. The lower part of the leaf blades can be painted in a contrasting burgundy shade. Leaf veins are highlighted in a lighter tone. The flowers are axillary, funnel-shaped, bright pink. 

Ruellia devosianus

A low-growing perennial evergreen plant with abundantly branched stems at the base. The leaves are soft, velvety, oblong-lanceolate, in different shades of green. Leaf veins are highlighted in a lighter tone. The flowers are funnel-shaped, with 5 oblong petals, painted in soft lilac or pink shades. 

Ruellia makoyana

Compact evergreen perennial 45 - 60 cm high with a lush, rounded crown formed by erect, branched stems. The leaves are velvety, lanceolate or elliptic, dark green, on short petioles. The leaf blades on the underside are often colored burgundy. The flowers are bright, pink or lilac, with a long floral tube, appearing at the top of the stems. 

Ruellia caroliensis

An attractive perennial 60 - 90 cm high with rigid, erect stems branched at the base. The leaves are green, oblong-lanceolate, arranged in opposite pairs, on short petioles. Leaf blades with weak edges. The flowers are collected in small axillary inflorescences at the tops of shoots of 2 - 4. Young shoots and flower tubes have elegant long pubescence. Flower petals can be colored pinkish, blue or lilac. 

Ruellia tuberosa​

A biennial plant with erect, tetrahedral stems up to 45 cm high. Young shoots may have slight pubescence. The leaves are lanceolate, with short veins, green, broadly lanceolate, 4 - 8 cm long, arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers are tubular, funnel-shaped, up to 5 cm in diameter, painted in blue or lilac (less often pink) shades.