Overview of Justicia candicans (Nees) L. Benson
Justicia candicans (Nees) L. Benson, commonly known as the Brazilian Plume Flower, is a perennial plant in the Acanthaceae family native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It is a tall, bushy plant that is prized for its beautiful and showy flowers.
General Appearance
The Brazilian Plume Flower is a large, evergreen shrub that can grow to a height of up to 6 feet tall with a spread of up to 10 feet. It has upright, woody stems covered in glossy, dark-green leaves that are lance-shaped and around 4 to 6 inches long. The plant produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that are bright red or pink. The flowers are borne on long, arching stems that emerge from the top of the bush in late summer or early fall and last for several weeks before fading.
Uses
Justicia candicans (Nees) L. Benson is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens, where it is used as a specimen plant or planted in groups as a backdrop for other flowering plants. It also grows well in containers, making it a popular choice for patios and verandas. The plant attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens.
Aside from ornamental uses, the Brazilian Plume Flower is also known for its medicinal properties. Its leaves and flowers have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, inflammation, and respiratory infections. The plant is also believed to have antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Light Requirements
Justicia candicans requires full sunlight to grow properly. It thrives in areas with bright light, but can also tolerate partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a range of temperature conditions. Ideally, it prefers warm and humid environments, with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). However, it can also survive in temperatures as low as 5°C (41°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F).
Soil Requirements
Justicia candicans prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0). This plant can tolerate a range of soil types, but performs best in sandy-loam or loamy soils. It is important to avoid water-logged soils as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation
Justicia candicans, also known as "Jacobinia" or "Brazilian Plume," is a tropical perennial plant that is native to Brazil. It is grown for its attractive foliage and stunning flowers. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to consider the following:
- The plant prefers a warm, humid climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80°F.
- The plant can be grown in full sun to partial shade but prefers bright, indirect light.
- The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
- The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or by division in the spring.
- Justicia candicans can be grown indoors or outdoors as long as the temperature and light requirements are met.
Watering Needs
The plant requires consistently moist soil but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure proper drainage. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature and humidity of the environment. During the summer months, the plant needs more water than during the winter months. Therefore, it is advisable to check the soil moisture level regularly to avoid over or under-watering.
Fertilization
Justicia candicans requires regular fertilization to grow and flourish. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or one with higher nitrogen (21-5-20), which encourages leaf growth and flowering. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to salt accumulation and cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the plant. Regular pruning encourages healthy growth and increases the number of flowers produced. It is advisable to prune after the plant has finished blooming to avoid cutting off potential flower buds. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Remove any dead or diseased foliage and excess growth. To encourage bushy growth, pinch back the tips of the stems regularly.
Propagation of Justicia candicans
Justicia candicans (Nees) L. Benson is a tropical evergreen shrub that is often grown as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers. There are a number of methods that can be used to propagate this plant depending on the grower's preference and available resources.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Justicia candicans is through seed. To do this, you will need to collect ripe seed pods from a mature plant. The pods should be allowed to dry and then be cracked open to reveal the seeds. The seeds can then be sown in a seed-starting mix and kept moist until they germinate.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Justicia candicans can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant and make a cut just below a node. Remove lower leaves and any flowers or buds from the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag. Keep the soil moist and ensure that the cutting receives bright, indirect light. Roots should begin to form in 3-4 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Justicia candicans. Simply dig up the plant and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has an adequate amount of roots. Plant the divided sections in their own pots or back in the ground if desired. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light until the plants establish themselves.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a less common but effective method for propagating Justicia candicans. This method involves creating a small wound in a stem, inserting a toothpick or similar object to hold the wound open, and covering the wound with sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots will form in the moss, and the new plant can then be severed from the parent and planted.
Disease Management
Justicia candicans (Nees) L. Benson is relatively resistant to disease, but it can still fall prey to some bacterial and fungal infections. Regularly inspecting your plant for signs of disease is vital for managing and preventing fungal and bacterial infections. Immediately prune and isolate infected parts of the plant to prevent the spread of the infection.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot Disease - Leaf spot is prevalent in Justicia candicans and is caused by fungal pathogens. It causes black or brown spots on the leaves, which can cause severe leaf drop and stunted growth. Use a fungicide to treat this problem effectively. Watering the plant carefully to keep the leaves dry can also help to prevent leaf spot disease.
Root Rot Disease - This disease is caused by overly wet soils or poor drainage and leads to wilting, yellowing, and dropping of leaves. To control root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure your soil allows free drainage. Repotting the plant into fresh soil with good drainage is sometimes necessary too.
Powdery Mildew Disease - Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery layer on the leaves. It is preventable by avoiding overcrowding and providing good air circulation. If it occurs, applying a fungicide can control it.
Pest Management
Justicia candicans (Nees) L. Benson is, in general, not severely affected by pests. However, some pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects could infest the plant. Early detection is critical to control these pests before they become a severe problem.
Common Pests
Mealybugs - Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that appear as small, white, cotton-like pests on the plant surface. Inspect your plant regularly and quarantine any infested plant. You can remove the bugs by using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap and wiping the pests off.
Spider Mites - Spider mites feed on plant sap, leaving small yellow, white, or brown dots on the leaves. They spin fine webs between leaves and branches. To control spider mites, wash the leaves thoroughly with a soapy solution or use an insecticidal soap to control them.
Scale Insects - Scale insects are small, flattened, and oval insects that feed on plant sap mostly found on the undersides of the leaves. They produce a shell-like covering for protection. Control these pests by using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
