Purple Heart
ruellia makoyana
Also known as: ["Purple Queen","Moses in the Cradle"]
Overview
A trailing perennial with striking purple stems and leaves, and small white or lavender flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Genus: | Ruellia |
| Botanical Name: | Ruellia makoyana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid room with indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to morning sun in winter if needed.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light to avoid scorching; place in a spot with filtered light indoors; move outdoors in spring/summer with partial shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to bright indirect light
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates slight fluctuations but dislikes drafts or extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth; protect from cold drafts.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer
Don't over-fertilize to avoid salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts; apply fertilizer to moist soil.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional changes.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, water or soil medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
To maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove leggy growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; avoid leaf wetting.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf curl in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil stays cold and wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; ensure soil doesn't stay wet.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Ruellia makoyana may experience mild gastrointestinal issues. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Ruellia makoyana by dogs may result in mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicRuellia makoyana contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Ruellia makoyana?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7-10 days, depending on conditions.
Q: Does Ruellia makoyana need direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Q: Is Ruellia makoyana toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to bright indire |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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