Ruellia makoyana aka Monkey Plant
Taxonomy
Ruellia makoyana, also known as the monkey plant or the trailing velvet plant, is an evergreen, tropical flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to Brazil. It is a short shrub, growing to a maximum height of 60 cm ( 24 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) wide, with dark green velvety and hairy leaves and light yellow or silvery veins. The flowers are tubular-shaped, pink with red markings and arise from the tips of the stems, around two inches in length. It is grown for its foliage and flowers and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. To grow it successfully, it needs regular watering, direct or bright light and moist yet well-draining soil. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 12 °C (54 °F). Ruellia makoyana is a great choice to add to any home, as it is an easy plant to take care of given the right conditions.
Common names
Monkey Plant, Velvet PlantHow to care for Monkey Plant
Difficulty
Monkey Plant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Monkey Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Monkey Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Monkey Plant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Ruellia Genus
Ruellia cordata Ruellia Cordata
Ruellia metziae Metz's Wild Petunia
Ruellia blechum Browne's Blechum
Ruellia inundata
Ruellia makoyana Monkey Plant
Ruellia nudiflora Violet Wild Petunia
Ruellia humilis Fringe Leaf Wild Petunia
Ruellia tuberosa Minnieroot
