Contents
Description
Ruellia Makoyana, also known as the ‘Purple Velvet Plant,’ is a stunning flowering plant native to South America. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its attractive foliage and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Angiosperms |
| Class: | Dicotyledons |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Genus: | Ruellia |
Appearance
The Ruellia Makoyana plant has soft, velvety leaves that are deep green with purple veins. The leaves are lance-shaped with wavy edges and grow up to 10 cm long. The plant produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that are bright pink with white throats and purple spots. The flowers bloom in the summer and fall and are a delight to look at.
Care Guide
Ruellia Makoyana is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips to care for your plant:
- Water: Water your plant regularly but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Place your plant in bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Ruellia Makoyana is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 but can be grown indoors in colder climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ruellia Makoyana is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. Keep an eye out for these pests and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Ruellia Makoyana is native to Brazil and grows in the understory of tropical rainforests. It grows best in warm, humid environments and can be grown as an indoor plant in cooler climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ruellia Makoyana grow outdoors?
A: Ruellia Makoyana is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and can be grown outdoors in warm climates with high humidity.
Q: How often should I water my Ruellia Makoyana?
A: Water your plant regularly but do not overwater. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Ruellia Makoyana?
A: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Q: Can Ruellia Makoyana tolerate low light conditions?
A: Ruellia Makoyana prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
Related Plants
- Ruellia Tuberosa
- Ruellia Coccinea
- Ruellia Brittoniana
- Ruellia Simplex
References
- “Ruellia Makoyana: How to Grow and Care for the Velvet Plant.” Epic Gardening. Accessed 25 May 2021. https://www.epicgardening.com/ruellia-makoyana/.
- “Ruellia makoyana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 25 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a677.
- “Ruellia makoyana (Purple Velvet, Rattlesnake Plant).” Grows on You. Accessed 25 May 2021. https://www.growsonyou.com/plant/Ruellia_makoyana.
