Ruellia

Ruellia humilis

Fringe-leaf Ruellia

Ruellia humilis is a member of the Acanthaceae, a family of largely herbaceous plants. With its native range and growth habit unverified, treat it conservatively: give bright indirect light and let the top inch of mix dry before watering again. Water only when that top inch is dry to the touch, leaning toward the drier end to avoid rot.

Ruellia nudiflora

Violet Wild Petunia

Ruellia nudiflora is a herbaceous perennial in the Acanthaceae, a family of mostly warm-climate ground-layer plants. Give it bright indirect light and let the top inch of mix dry before watering again, since the roots dislike sitting wet. It tolerates ordinary household humidity and does not require misting.

Ruellia caroliniensis

Carolina Wild Petunia

A herbaceous wildflower of the Acanthaceae native to woodland edges and open ground across the southeastern and eastern United States, where it tolerates seasonal swings in moisture. It prefers bright indirect light and evenly moist but well-drained soil; water when the top inch of mix is dry, letting it approach dryness between drinks rather than staying soggy. Ordinary household humidity suits it.

Ruellia californica

Baja Ruellia

Ruellia californica is native to the arid northwest of Mexico, so it is adapted to strong sun and long dry spells. Give it the brightest spot you have, gritty fast-draining mix, and let the soil dry well between waterings. Water only when the top two inches of mix are fully dry, then water deeply.

Ruellia elegans

Brazilian Petunia

Ruellia elegans is a Brazilian perennial subshrub in the Acanthaceae family, accustomed to warm conditions and bright, filtered light rather than harsh direct sun. Let the top inch of mix dry before watering again, keeping it lightly moist but never soggy. It tolerates ordinary household humidity and benefits from steady warmth and good drainage.