Overview
Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke, also known as the Masai Justicia, belongs to the Acanthaceae family. The plant is indigenous to East Africa, specifically found in Kenya and Tanzania. It is a perennial bushy shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall.
Description
The leaves of Justicia masaiensis are oval-shaped, dark green, glossy, and have a pointed tip. The plant produces striking yellow, tubular flowers that are arranged in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers have a red or orange stripe on the lower lobe that makes them attractive to birds and butterflies. The fruit is a capsule that contains tiny brown seeds.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Masai Justicia, after the pastoral tribe that inhabits the regions where the plant is found. In Swahili, the plant is called “Mvule wa porini” meaning “wild mvule” because of the similarity in foliage with Milicia excelsa, a tree in the Moraceae family.
Uses
The plant is mostly grown as an ornamental and used for landscaping in gardens and parks. Its attractive yellow flowers and glossy leaves add a vibrant and tropical feel to any space. In East Africa, certain tribes use the plant as a traditional medicine to treat stomach ulcers, diabetes, and other ailments. The leaves of the plant are used to make a decoction that is taken orally. Furthermore, some gardeners use the Justicia masaiensis as a hedge or windbreak on their farms as it is fast-growing and easy to propagate from cuttings.
Light Requirements
Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke requires bright light to grow well. Direct sunlight can be damaging, so it is best to provide bright, indirect light for about 6-8 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can be detrimental and may cause the leaves to drop.
Soil Requirements
Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 6.5-7.5. You can mix equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand to create the perfect soil mix for your plant.
Water Requirements
The plant needs to be watered regularly, but it should never be overwatered. Watering once a week during the growing season and reducing the frequency during winter is sufficient. The soil should remain moist at all times but avoid waterlogging the soil as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer to keep your plant healthy and promote growth. It is advisable to dilute the fertilizer to half its strength to prevent the plant from being damaged.
Cultivation
The Justicia masaiensis needs a warm and humid climate to grow. It should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5. The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate and personal preference.
Watering
Justicia masaiensis requires frequent watering to keep the soil evenly moist. The plant should not be allowed to dry out completely between watering. Use room-temperature water to water the plant, and avoid over-watering as this may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Justicia masaiensis needs regular fertilization for optimal growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season and reduce to once a month during the winter. Fertilizer will help the plant develop strong roots and foliage.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps keep the Justicia masaiensis healthy and promotes growth. Prune dead or diseased leaves as soon as they appear to prevent the spread of disease. Trim back leggy stems to keep the plant bushy and compact. Pruning can be done throughout the year, but avoid cutting into woody stems.
Propagation of Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke
Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke can be propagated by both seeds and stem cuttings. Here are the propagation methods:
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke can be sown directly in the soil. Here's the procedure:
- Fill a seedling tray with potting mix and sow the seeds on the surface of the mix.
- Lightly cover the seeds with the potting mix.
- Water the tray lightly, making sure not to overwater it.
- Place the tray in a warm, well-lit location.
- Within one to two weeks, the seeds should start to germinate. The seedlings can then be transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Take cuttings of about 10 cm length from a healthy plant. Make sure there are at least three leaves on the cutting.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
- Insert the cutting into a pot filled with potting mix, making sure the bottom half of the stem is buried in the soil.
- Water the soil thoroughly, making sure it's moist but not waterlogged.
- Place the pot in a warm, well-lit location, but away from direct sunlight.
- Within a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots. Once this happens, it can be transplanted to its own pot.
These are the two most common methods of propagating Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke.
Disease Management
Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke is generally a resilient plant with no major disease issues. However, it can still be affected by fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. The most common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on leaves. To manage it, you should remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and improve airflow around the plant.
- Crown and Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots and stems. You can manage it by planting the Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
- Mosaic Virus: This viral disease causes yellow or white mottling or streaks on the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure, so you should remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread.
Pest Management
Justicia masaiensis C.B.Clarke may also be attacked by various pests. Below are the most common pests that might affect this plant and how to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small, sap-sucking insects that cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. You can manage them by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These are common pests that cause leaf discoloration and webbing on the plant. You can manage them by regularly misting the plant to improve humidity or using an insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves. You can manage them by handpicking and removing them from the plant or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
