Shortleaf Ruellia Plant Care

Shortleaf Ruellia (Ruellia brevifolia) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Ruellia genus. Shortleaf Ruellia is native to South America, from Colombia to southern Brazil and northern Argentina. Shortleaf Ruellia is also known as Wild Petunia.

Shortleaf Ruellia displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Shortleaf Ruellia produces tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Shortleaf Ruellia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Shortleaf Ruellia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Shortleaf Ruellia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ruellia brevifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Shortleaf Ruellia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Shortleaf Ruellia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Shortleaf Ruellia every 2 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Shortleaf Ruellia is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Shortleaf Ruellia can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Shortleaf Ruellia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Shortleaf Ruellia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Shortleaf Ruellia can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to distinguished wild petunia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Shortleaf Ruellia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Shortleaf Ruellia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Shortleaf Ruellia is native to South America, from Colombia to southern Brazil and northern Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Shortleaf Ruellia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.