Monkey plant - Ruellia makoyana (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Monkey plant

Monkey plant (Ruellia makoyana) is an evergreen perennial plant that will grow from 30 to 61 cm tall and 46 cm wide. It has white-veined, velvety leaves with flashy purple undersides. It blooms from summer to fall with pink, trumpet-shaped flowers. Makes a beautiful ground cover for shaded areas. Drought-tolerant but not frost-tolerant.

Scientific classification

Species

Monkey plant (Ruellia makoyana)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

60 cm

Plant Height

45 cm

Spread

Green, Gray, Variegated, Silver, Purple

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Images of Monkey plant

Distribution of Monkey plant

Distribution Map

Monkey plant is naturally found in the tropical locales of South America. Beyond its native region, monkey plant has been successfully introduced and cultivated in various temperate to tropical climates around the world, thriving primarily as an ornamental plant in gardens and indoor spaces.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forest

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Name Story

Monkey plant: Monkey plant, or Ruellia makoyana, gets its genus name in honor of Jean de la Ruelle, who was a French herbalist and a physician to Francis I of France. Its common name, monkey plant comes from its seeds. The seeds are said to look like a monkey’s face.

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Care Guide for Monkey plant

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from humid tropical regions, monkey plant thrives in high humidity and consistent soil moisture, requiring weekly watering. Regular misting is beneficial for indoor environments to replicate its native conditions, promoting vibrant growth during its active season.

Fertilize: To enhance monkey plant's foliage and blooms, apply a high phosphorus fertilizer monthly during growth (10-30-10). Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn and reduce feeding in winter to every 6-8 weeks. Dilute fertilizer as instructed and water soil before and after application.

Pruning: Monkey plant is a tropical perennial that thrives with early spring to late winter pruning. Trim unhealthy stems for shape and health, while light pruning promotes denser growth and blooms. Avoid heavy pruning during blooming to minimize stress, ensuring a vibrant and healthy plant.

Propagation: Monkey plant can be easily propagated using healthy stem cuttings with at least one leaf node. Placing them in moist soil with perlite aids root development. Applying rooting hormone can boost success, but is optional. Once roots form, transplant into individual pots to promote vigorous growth.

Repotting: Repot monkey plant every 2-3 years during spring for optimal growth. Use a container slightly larger than the root ball. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging and ensure bright indirect light to support recovery and healthy foliage development.

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