Origin of Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke
Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is native to Eastern Africa, particularly found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke is commonly known as yellow justicia, yellow shrimp plant, and shrimp plant due to its yellow flowers that resemble a shrimp's tail.
Uses of Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke
The plant is used traditionally to treat various illnesses. The root of the plant is known to treat stomach problems, while the leaves are used to alleviate headaches, fever, and gonorrhea. The plant extract is also used to treat liver problems and throat infections. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant is also used as ornamental gardens and landscapes due to its attractive yellow flowers.
General Appearance
Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke is a perennial shrub that grows up to 1.5m tall. It has woody stems with hairy branches. The leaves are ovate, opposite, and measure up to 10cm in length. The inflorescence is a spike-like raceme with bright yellow flowers. The flowers have a triangular shape and are approximately 1.5cm long. The plant fruits into a capsule that contains tiny seeds.
Growth Conditions for Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke Plant
Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke is a beautiful plant found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Proper growth conditions are vital to the survival and development of the plant. Here are some essential growth conditions to consider:
Light Requirements
Justicia calcarata requires bright and direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. It is also crucial to ensure that the plant does not receive harsh, direct sunlight, as it may damage the plant's leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires moderate temperatures that range between 20-30°C (68-86°F) to grow optimally. The plant cannot withstand frost or extreme heat, making it necessary to keep the plant in a warm environment.
Soil Requirements
Justicia calcarata grows best in well-draining soils such as loamy or clayey soil. The soil pH should range between 6.0-7.5, and soil rich in organic matter is ideal. The plant requires moderate watering, and excessive water can lead to root rot or other plant diseases.
Fertilization Requirements
The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season, which typically occurs in summer. A balanced and high-potassium fertilizer applied every three months will help stimulate healthy growth and budding.
Humidity Requirements
The plant requires high humidity levels throughout the day, which makes it necessary to keep the soil moist at all times. In low humidity environments, misting the plant's leaves daily can help raise humidity levels.
With the right growth conditions, Justicia calcarata can thrive and produce beautiful purple flowers that brighten up any space. Understanding the growth conditions can help you create the best environment to ensure the optimal growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Justicia Calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke
Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke is a great choice for gardeners who want to add an exotic touch to their outdoor space. The plant originates from tropical East Africa, so it requires a warm and humid environment to grow to its full potential. Ideally, the plant should be grown in Zones 10 to 12.
One of the most crucial aspects of cultivating Justicia Calcarata is ensuring that it receives the right amount of sunlight. The plant prefers a partially shaded to fully shaded environment. If it is exposed to too much sunlight, the leaves may start to scorch and turn yellow.
Watering Needs for Justicia Calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke
Justicia Calcarata requires a consistent supply of water to thrive. The plant's soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. During warm and sunny weather, the soil may dry out faster, so it is essential to check it regularly.
The best way to ensure that the plant receives enough water is to water it deeply once a week. The frequency may vary depending on the region's weather conditions. Still, it's essential to make sure that the plant's roots do not get dehydrated.
Fertilization for Justicia Calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke
Proper fertilization for Justicia Calcarata is essential for keeping the plant healthy and vigorous. It's recommended to use an all-purpose fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The best time to fertilize the plant is during the growing season - generally from late spring to summer. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks, following the package instructions.
Pruning Justicia Calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke
Pruning Justicia Calcarata is essential to maintain its shape and keep it healthy. The plant requires light pruning to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems.
You can also pinch the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and more flower production. However, be careful not to over-prune the plant as it may hinder its growth.
Propagation of Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke
Justicia calcarata, commonly known as the Chinese lantern plant, is a popular ornamental plant that is propagated through various methods. The easiest and most common methods of propagation include stem cuttings, seed propagation, and division.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common and easiest method of propagating Justicia calcarata. Take a healthy stem cutting of about 4-6 inches, remove the lower leaves, dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder, and then plant it in a pot containing well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place it in a warm, bright location. The cutting will develop roots in 3-4 weeks and can then be transplanted into a larger pot or container.
Seed Propagation
Justicia calcarata plants produce small black seeds. Collect the seeds from a mature plant and sow them in a pot or container filled with well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them lightly. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It takes around 3-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or containers.
Division
Justicia calcarata can also be propagated through division. For this method, gently remove the plant from its pot or container and divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has healthy roots and a few stems. Plant each section in a pot or container filled with a well-draining soil mix and water them lightly. Keep the newly transplanted divisions in a warm, bright location, and ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Disease Management
Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke is generally a disease-resistant plant when provided with optimal growing conditions. However, the following diseases may occasionally affect the plant:
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by white powdery growth on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by ensuring good air circulation around the plant, watering at the base of the plant, removing infected leaves, and applying a fungicide.
- Leaf spots: These spots appear as circular brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, watering at the base of the plant, and applying a fungicide.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow-orange to reddish-brown spores on the undersides of the leaves. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, watering at the base of the plant, improving air circulation, and applying a fungicide.
Pest Management
Justicia calcarata Hochst. ex C.B.Clarke is mainly resistant to pests. However, the following pests may occasionally affect the plant:
- Aphids: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by removing them with a strong stream of water or by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. They can be managed by removing them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny, sap-sucking insects that spin webs on the plant leaves. They cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves and can be managed by improving air circulation, watering the plant regularly, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
