Ruellia makoyana aka Monkey Plant

Ruellia makoyana comes from southeastern Brazil. It is an evergreen perennial: it keeps its leaves and lives for years. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family. It grows in wet tropical climates. Kew classes it as a subshrub. Garden sources call it monkey plant or trailing velvet plant. Its spread suits pots and use as groundcover where the climate suits it.

The RHS describes plants about 2 feet (0.6 metres) tall. It lists a mature height of 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre). Spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). Plants may take five to ten years to reach full size. The RHS calls its form bushy. Chicago says it creeps. These accounts show that it both branches and spreads. Pinch young shoots to make them grow more branches.

The oval leaves have purple tones. Silvery-grey veins mark their surface. The leaf undersides have a brighter shade of purple. Bright pink flowers rise above the leaves. They have a funnel shape. Each flower reaches about 0.16 feet (0.05 metres) long. Chicago lists both pink and purple flowers. Its bloom record runs from May through October. The leaf colour adds interest when the plant is not in bloom.

Under glass, give it bright light screened from strong sun. The RHS calls for high humidity. For pots, it recommends peat-free multipurpose compost. Chicago lists part shade and full shade as suitable. The RHS lists loam or sand and a neutral pH. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain away. Give plenty of water while it grows. Cut back on water in winter. Give a balanced liquid feed each month during the growing season. The RHS says to keep it at or above 12°C. It gives a UK hardiness rating of H1B. This allows outdoor use in summer. Chicago lists USDA zones 9–11. These ratings use different systems. For plants kept under cover, follow the stated heat limits.

Use it in patio pots or pots under glass. Chicago also lists its use as groundcover. Prune once the flowers fade. Pinch young growth to make the plant more full. Sow seed in spring at 19–24°C. Take softwood cuttings in spring or early summer. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. The supplied sources give no facts on edible parts or toxicity. They do not show whether people or pets can eat it without harm.