How to Propagate Ruellia
You can propagate the native wild petunia, or Mexican petunia, by seed, but the easiest way for the home gardener is by starting stem cuttings. Ruellia has succulent stems that root readily, making propagation a fine project for the beginning enthusiast. The best time to do this is in the spring, soon after new growth emerges. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- 3-inch pot
- Clear plastic bag
- 4-inch pot
- Potting soil
Instructions
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1
Choose a mature, healthy ruellia to take your stem cuttings from. They will grow into exact clones of the parent plant, so pick an attractive one that you like.
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2
Cut a 4-inch to 6-inch stem tip from a new shoot with a clean, sharp knife. Trim any leaves or buds from the lower 2 inches of the stem.
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3
Combine equal parts peat moss and perlite to create the rooting medium, and fill a 3-inch pot with it. Set the pot in a shallow container of water until the surface of the medium feels moist. Remove the pot from the water, and allow it to drain freely for about an hour.
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4
Stick the ruellia cutting into the medium, about 1 inch deep. Water it thoroughly to moisten the medium evenly, but not so much that it's soggy or wet. Don't allow the medium to dry out while the cutting is rooting.
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5
Close the cutting up in a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse for retaining moisture and humidity.
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6
Set the cutting on a warm, brightly lit windowsill out of direct sun.
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7
Check the medium every day so it never dries out. Your ruellia cutting will root in two or three weeks.
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8
Step the rooted cutting up to a 4-inch pot with potting soil when you see new growth emerging.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow your ruellias to reseed themselves if you want them to spread and form a lovely, blooming groundcover.
Ruellia has the potential to be invasive. Be nice to your neighbors and to the environment by confining this plant to your own property.
