Ruta

Family. Rutaceae.

Origin. Southern Europe.

Description. Ruta is a perennial evergreen plant with erect stems. With age, the stems at the base become woody and covered with bark. The leaves are glaucous-green, pinnately dissected, arranged alternately. When damaged, the leaves emit a sharp odor. In summer, inflorescences appear on the tops of the stems - panicles with yellow, pink or red flowers up to 1.5 cm in diameter.

Height. 60 - 90 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The optimal temperature range is from 18 to 24 ° C. At higher temperatures, it is necessary to increase watering and air humidity. At temperatures below 13 ° C, plants slow down their growth and enter a dormant period. Ruta is frost-resistant.

Lighting

The maximum possible lighting with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening for 5-6 hours daily. Light shading is only possible on very hot summer days. 

Care

The bush responds well to pruning, which is done to give the crown a beautiful compact shape. Pinch the tips of young shoots to stimulate the appearance of side branches. The pot can be placed outdoors in the summer. Remember that all plants should be moved gradually so that they get used to new living conditions.

Substrate

Ruta adapts well to most soil types, even those poor in nutrients, as long as there is good drainage. The soil should consist of peat, leaf mold, perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and have a slightly acidic pH.

Feeding

Feed with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks in spring and summer. 

Flowering time

June July.

Air humidity

If the air in the room becomes too dry or the temperature is high, increase the humidity with a room humidifier or place the plant on a tray with wet pebbles. Make sure that the water in the tray does not touch the bottom of the pot. You can spray the leaves with room temperature water. Ruta likes well-ventilated rooms with a constant flow of fresh air, but without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

The soil should be evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Between waterings, slightly dry the top layer 3-5 cm thick. 

In autumn, the frequency of watering is slightly reduced, and in winter, when kept cool, the soil is protected from completely drying out.  

Transplant

Young seedlings are replanted annually - as they grow - into larger pots. Mature specimens need to be replanted every 2-3 years.

Reproduction

Stem cuttings about 10 cm long, in spring and summer, using growth hormones. Rooting is carried out under the cover of a transparent plastic cap or glass for 6 - 8 weeks. Seeds sown in spring. 

Pests and diseases

Fungal diseases occur when there is excess moisture and insufficient air movement.

Red spider mites. Mealybugs prefer young trees. Whiteflies hide on the undersides of leaves, sucking out the sap. Aphids cause leaves to curl and become crinkled.  

Note

Rue fruits are bitter, so they are used only in small quantities as a seasoning. The leaves can repel insects with their smell. The plant's juice can cause contact dermatitis - when handling the bush, protect your hands with gloves.