ruellia

Ruellia requires regular watering and should be kept moderately moist. Water it with lukewarm water approximately once every 7-10 days in the summer and then slightly less frequently in the winter (once every 3-4 weeks). Make sure the soil has had time to dry out some in between waterings. It is best to water Ruellia at the base of the plant and not from overhead to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers. Monitor the soil moisture regularly to ensure it does not become overly dry.

Ruellia should receive 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day to promote vigorous growth and flowering. This can be provided through direct sunlight or bright, indirect sunlight, such as through a south or west-facing window. If grown outdoors, Ruellia should be planted in an area that receives full sun for most of the day.

Ruellia should be pruned twice a year, once in late winter and again in mid-summer. Pruning in late winter should involve removal of dead stems and cleaning up the stems and foliage of the plant, while the mid-summer pruning should involve cutting back the abundant growth of stems and foliage to promote new growth throughout the season. Pruning should be done with hand pruners or shears, and should be done with caution to prevent damage to the plant. It is especially important to remove dead stems, as they can cause disease or insect infestations.