The rue plant, Ruta graveolens, is an aromatic herb with a distinctive appearance and strong scent. Its blue-green foliage and small yellow flowers make it an attractive ornamental plant. However, handle this plant with caution due to its potential to cause skin irritation, especially with sun exposure.
Essential Indoor Care
Rue thrives in abundant sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily. Placing the plant in a south-facing window provides sufficient light. If natural light is insufficient, particularly during shorter winter days, supplemental grow lights can be used, providing eight to fourteen hours of artificial light to maintain plant vigor.
Rue thrives in well-draining, gritty soil, ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. A standard potting mix amended with sand, perlite, or vermiculite, or a cactus/succulent mix, improves drainage. Proper drainage prevents root rot if the soil remains too wet.
Once established, rue is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Water only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Rue prefers average room temperatures, thriving between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and tolerating 41-77°F (5-25°C). It prefers drier indoor air conditions, similar to its Mediterranean habitat. High humidity is not required, making it well-suited for most homes.
Rue does not require extensive fertilization and can thrive in poorer soils. If nutrient deficiency signs appear or if grown in a less rich mix, apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer sparingly during spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilization, which can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and harm the plant.
Handling and Safety Precautions
Contact with rue sap, especially followed by UV light exposure, can cause phytophotodermatitis. Symptoms include redness, burning, blisters, and dark pigmentation. Specific chemicals in rue, such as furanocoumarins and psoralens, make skin highly sensitive to light.
To prevent reactions, always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling rue, particularly during pruning or repotting. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after contact. Place the plant away from high-traffic areas and out of reach of children and pets to minimize accidental contact.
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Indoor Rue
Prune rue to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove leggy or spent stems. Prune in early spring, before new growth, cutting stems back to 6-8 inches, ensuring a pair of buds remains. Deadheading faded blooms also keeps foliage fresh.
Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every one to two years. Select a slightly larger pot with good drainage and fresh soil mix. Wear protective clothing during repotting.
Common issues include yellowing leaves, often indicating overwatering or nutrient imbalance. Leggy growth suggests insufficient light, requiring relocation or supplemental lighting. Though generally pest-resistant, indoor rue can attract spider mites if conditions are too dry; proper air circulation and occasional misting can deter them.