Also known as Bluebell · Daniel's Great Gun · Devil's Bit
Minnieroot (Ruellia tuberosa) is a low-growing perennial with small, white, trumpet-shaped flowers and distinctive seed pods. It is native to the Americas.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Allow top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-draining
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-27°C. Protect from frost.
Light
25% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water minnieroot regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially during drier periods.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant's growth slows down to prevent root rot.
Prune minnieroot to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Cut back leggy stems by about one-third in late winter or early spring to encourage new, vigorous shoots from the base.
Minnieroot is easily propagated by division of its tuberous roots in early spring. Seeds can also be sown directly into the soil after the last frost.
Cuttings taken from stem tips can also be rooted in moist soil or water.
Repot minnieroot every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Repotting is best done in early spring before new growth begins.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Minnieroot (Ruellia tuberosa)
Where Minnieroot (Ruellia tuberosa) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Ruellia |
| Species | Ruellia tuberosa |
Similar in genus Ruellia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
