Justicia lazarus S.Moore: Origin and Common Names
Justicia lazarus S.Moore, commonly known as Lazarus's Water Willow or Monkey Comb, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. This herbaceous perennial plant is native to Ecuador and Colombia where it is commonly found growing in moist, shady places such as rainforests and cloud forests.
General Appearance
The Lazarus's Water Willow plant can grow up to a height of 1.5 meters and has a spread of up to 1 meter. It has long, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that measure up to 20 cm in length and are approximately 5 cm wide. The plant produces long spikes of showy flowers that grow up to 20 cm in length. The flowers are tubular with bright red or pink color and have a white throat. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall.
Uses
Justicia lazarus S. Moore is a popular garden plant that is grown for its spectacular showy flowers. It is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. The plant contains various compounds that have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. The leaves of the plant are mashed and used as a poultice to treat injuries, skin infections, and rheumatism. The roots of the plant are boiled and taken orally as a tea to treat fever and gastric problems.
Growth Conditions for Justicia lazarus S.Moore
Light: Justicia lazarus S.Moore prefers bright but indirect sunlight. It can thrive in partial shade as well. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the foliage and leaves.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm and humid conditions. An average temperature of 18-30°C is ideal for the growth of Justicia lazarus S.Moore. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C and requires protection during colder months.
Soil: Justicia lazarus S.Moore prefers well-draining soil with moderate moisture content. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for its growth. It can adapt to a variety of soil types but prefers loamy soil enriched with organic matter.
Water: This plant requires regular watering during the growing season. Water should be provided whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it's essential to ensure adequate drainage. Reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilizer: Justicia lazarus S.Moore benefits from monthly fertilization during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer. It should be diluted to half strength and applied once a month in spring and summer. Avoid feeding the plant during the dormant period.
Humidity: This plant thrives in humid conditions. A humidity level of 50-60% is ideal for optimal growth. If the air is dry, provide regular misting or use a pebble tray to increase the humidity around the plant.
By providing suitable conditions, Justicia lazarus S.Moore can flourish and add to the beauty of any indoor or outdoor space.
Cultivation Methods
Justicia lazarus S.Moore, commonly known as Lazarus' Water Willow, is an evergreen perennial that thrives in hot, humid, and tropical climates. It grows well in different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It requires adequate sunlight, preferably full sun exposure, to blossom well.
Propagation of Justicia lazarus S.Moore is usually done by stem cuttings or by dividing established clumps. Seeds can also be used, but they can take longer to germinate, and the resulting plants may not have the exact characteristics of the parent plant. New plants should be watered frequently to ensure that the soil is always moist until they are fully established.
Watering Needs
Justicia lazarus S.Moore requires adequate moisture, especially during the growing season. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. You should water the plant regularly and make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
If your area experiences heavy rainfalls, you may not need to water the plant as frequently. But during the dry periods, you should water it more often to ensure it stays hydrated. As a general rule, water the plant at the base, and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause fungal infections.
Fertilization
Justicia lazarus S.Moore is not very demanding when it comes to fertilization. However, it would help if you gave it a boost occasionally, especially if grown in pots. You can fertilize the plant once a month using a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio. Dilute the fertilizer in water according to the manufacturer's recommendations and apply it at the base of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Justicia lazarus S.Moore plant is not necessary, but it helps to maintain a desirable shape and size. It involves removing the dead, diseased, or overgrown parts of the plant. You can also cut back the plant in early spring to encourage bushy growth and promote the formation of new blooms.
When pruning, use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases. Cut the stems just above a leaf node, and remove no more than one-third of the plant's foliage. Mulch the plant after pruning to retain soil moisture, prevent weed growth, and provide nutrients to the plant.
Propagation of Justicia lazarus S.Moore
Justicia lazarus S.Moore, commonly known as the Lazarus Justicia, is a stunning plant that can be propagated through various methods. Propagation involves the process of growing new plants from existing ones.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a popular way of propagating Justicia lazarus S.Moore. Cut a section of a healthy stem measuring about 6 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves leaving only a few on the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright location. In a few weeks, roots will begin to grow, and new leaves will start forming.
Propagation through Division
Division is another way of propagating Justicia lazarus S.Moore. This method is suitable for plants that have multiple stems or are too large. Start by carefully removing the plant from its pot, and gently separate the stems into smaller sections, making sure each section has its roots. Plant each section in its separate pot, making sure to water it well. Keep the newly potted plants in a warm, bright location.
Propagation through Seeds
Justicia lazarus S.Moore can also be propagated through seeds. However, this method is not widely used, as it takes a long time for the plant to develop from a seed. To propagate through seeds, collect fresh seeds from a mature plant and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and moisten the soil regularly. The seedlings will typically take two to four weeks to germinate.
Overall, Justicia lazarus S.Moore is an incredibly versatile plant that can be easily propagated through multiple methods. Regardless of the propagation method, ensure that you provide the newly propagated plant with the best growing environment to help it thrive.
Disease and Pest Management for Justicia lazarus S.Moore Plant
Justicia lazarus S.Moore, also known as Orange Plume-Justicia, is a beautiful perennial plant that is native to Africa. While it is relatively disease-resistant, there are several common diseases and pests that may affect the plant. However, with proper care and management, these issues can be controlled and prevented.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Justicia lazarus S.Moore is fungal leaf spot. It is characterized by small, circular yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually merge and cause the leaf to die. To prevent this disease, remove any infected leaves as soon as possible and avoid overhead watering that can cause water to sit on the leaves for an extended period. Additionally, make sure to plant the Justicia lazarus S.Moore in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can contribute to the spread of fungal leaf spot.
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect Justicia lazarus S.Moore, causing a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled by using a fungicide and ensuring proper air circulation around the plant. Pinching back the stems can encourage bushy growth and reduce the likelihood of powdery mildew.
Common Pests
Aphids are one of the most common pests that can infest Justicia lazarus S.Moore. These tiny, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To control aphids, spray the plant with a steady stream of water to dislodge them or apply insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are another common pest that can be problematic for Justicia lazarus S.Moore. They are tiny, reddish-brown insects that can cause yellowing of leaves and fine webbing on the plant. To control spider mites, rinse the plant with water and keep the leaves clean. Applying a miticide can also be effective.
Conclusion
Overall, Justicia lazarus S.Moore is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. However, it is susceptible to common diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and appearance. By following the tips provided in this guide, you can manage and prevent these issues and keep your Orange Plume-Justicia healthy and beautiful.
