Also known as Monkey Plant · Velvet Plant
Ruellia makoyana is an attractive evergreen perennial with velvety, dark green leaves featuring striking silver venation. It produces vibrant, tubular pink to red flowers
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct sun in the morning.
Regularly
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained potting mix
50% intensity
Average to warm
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C; avoid cold drafts.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
During growing season
50% intensity
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering slightly during the cooler winter months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of stems regularly, especially in spring and early summer. Remove any dead or leggy stems to promote new growth and flowering.
Pruning can be done anytime during the growing season.
Propagate by stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Select healthy stems, cut them to about 10-15 cm long, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist, well-draining potting mix.
Keep warm and humid until rooted.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Gently loosen the roots before repotting.
Water thoroughly after repotting and return to its usual location.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Ruellia Makoyana (Ruellia makoyana)
Where Ruellia Makoyana (Ruellia makoyana) 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 makoyana |
Similar in genus Ruellia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
