Rutaceae
Rue: Aromatic Plant
Ruta graveolens
Grow in a location with good light, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. It is sensitive to overwatering and can be toxic.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
18° - 30°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Rue?
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a medium-care plant from the Rutaceae family. Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a perennial shrub known for its strong aroma and medicinal properties. It has finely divided, grayish-green leaves and small, cream or yellowish flowers that appear in summer. It is a hardy plant, but requires attention due to its toxicity.
Rue grows up to 3.0m, with spread of 200cm, watering every 7 days, 18°C â 30°C, 50â80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Rue?
TLDR: Rue needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 18-30°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Rue?
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogging, as the plant is sensitive to root rot.
How Much Light Does Rue Need?
Prefers full or partial sunlight. Avoid strong midday sun in very hot climates.
What Is the Best Soil for Rue?
Use a well-drained substrate with good aeration. A mix of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite works well.
What Pot Should You Use for Rue?
Terracotta or ceramic pots with good drainage are ideal to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Rue and Where Does It Come From?
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a perennial shrub known for its strong aroma and medicinal properties. It has finely divided, grayish-green leaves and small, cream or yellowish flowers that appear in summer. It is a hardy plant, but requires attention due to its toxicity.
How to Propagate Rue?
Stem Cuttings
- Use a rooting hormone to increase success rates.
- Keep the cutting in a high-humidity environment until rooting occurs.
- 1 Cutting Selection
Choose a semi-hardwood branch 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long, cutting just below a node.
- 2 Removal of Lower Leaves
Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
- 3 Planting
Plant the cutting in a light, well-drained substrate, such as a mix of sand and peat.
- 4 Watering and Humidity
Water lightly and keep the substrate moist, but not waterlogged. Cover with plastic to maintain humidity.
- 5 Rooting
Place in a warm location with indirect light. Rooting takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Materials needed:
Sowing Seeds
- Germination rate can be variable.
- Fresh seeds generally yield better results.
- 1 Seed Preparation
Seeds may benefit from a period of cold stratification for a few weeks.
- 2 Sowing
Sow the seeds in a light, well-drained substrate, covering them lightly.
- 3 Germination
Keep the substrate moist and in a warm location (20-25°C / 68-77°F). Germination can take 3 to 6 weeks.
- 4 Transplanting
Once seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Rue Grow?
TLDR: Rue can reach up to 3.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
2.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditionally used for digestive problems, as a calming agent, and to relieve pain.
- Can be used externally in compresses for bruises.
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Rue is believed to offer protection against the evil eye and negative energies. It is often associated with purification and healing.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Mandevilla | Medium | Bright indirect | 7d | â ïļ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
