Contents
Description
Ruellia Cordata, commonly known as the heart-shaped leaves plant, is an evergreen plant native to Mexico and Central America. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. The plant produces small, violet-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. The flowers are tubular and have five petals with a yellow center. The plant is also known as wild petunia or Mexican petunia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Ruellia |
Appearance
The Ruellia Cordata plant has green, heart-shaped leaves that are about 10 cm long and 8 cm wide. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and have a soft, velvety texture. The plant produces small, violet-blue flowers that are about 2.5 cm in diameter. The flowers are tubular and have five petals with a yellow center. The plant grows up to 1 meter in height and has a bushy growth habit.
Care Guide
Water
Ruellia Cordata plants prefer to be watered regularly but not excessively. It is recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be diluted to half strength before application.
Soil
The Ruellia Cordata plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Sunlight
The plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. It is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Ruellia Cordata plants are hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ruellia Cordata plant is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It can also be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, it is recommended to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and to inspect it regularly.
Habitat
Ruellia Cordata plants are native to Mexico and Central America. They can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, savannas, and disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Ruellia Cordata plant?
A: Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: What is the ideal pH range for the soil of a Ruellia Cordata plant?
A: The ideal pH range for the soil is 6.0 to 7.5.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Ruellia Cordata plants?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Q: What pests are Ruellia Cordata plants susceptible to?
A: The plant can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies.
Related Plants
- Ruellia Brittoniana
- Ruellia Humilis
- Ruellia Nudiflora
- Ruellia Simplex
References
- “Ruellia Cordata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279331&isprofile=0&basic=ruellia%20cordata.
- “Ruellia Cordata.” Plantz Africa, SANBI, www.plantzafrica.com/plantqrs/ruellicord.htm.
- “Ruellia Cordata.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=200904.
