Ruellia simplex aka Mexican Petunia

Taxonomy

Common names

Mexican Petunia, Britton's Wild Petunia, Mexican Blue Bells

How to care for Mexican Petunia

Difficulty

Mexican Petunia presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Mexican Petunia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mexican Petunia 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

Mexican Petunia thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mexican Blue Bells.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Mexican Petunia to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Growth-pattern

Mexican Petunia grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia