Origin
Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton is a plant species that originally comes from Central and South America.
Common Names
Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton is commonly known as White Plume or Mexican Plume.
Uses
The Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, due to its pretty flowers and delicate foliage. Some people also use it as a medicinal herb to treat a wide variety of ailments like headaches, fever, colds, and coughs. Moreover, it is said to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
General Appearance
The Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton is an evergreen perennial shrub that can grow up to 1-2 meters in height, with a spread of about 60 cm. Its leaves are thin, elongated, and pointed, measuring around 5-10 cm in length and 1-2 cm in width. The plant produces lovely flowers that bloom in clusters of white, pink, or purple, with long and tubular corollas that are up to 2 cm in length. The fruit of the Justicia striata is a small capsule containing tiny seeds.
Growth conditions for Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton
Light Requirements: Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton prefers partial shade to full sun for optimal growth. It can tolerate full shade, but the plant may become leggy, and the leaves may lose their color.
Temperature Requirements: Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton can adapt to a wide range of temperatures. However, the ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C but may show reduced growth and health.
Soil Requirements: Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as it can cause root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements: Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton benefits from regular fertilization, particularly during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every six to eight weeks to promote healthy growth. Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost and worm castings can also be used.
Water Requirements: Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton requires regular watering, particularly during the dry season. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as this can cause root rot. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but extended periods of dryness can cause leaf drop and stunted growth.
Cultivation
Justicia striata subsp. occidentalis grows best in a slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage. It prefers full sunlight to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. The plant is drought-tolerant but grows best with regular watering.
Watering
Justicia striata subsp. occidentalis prefers moderate watering throughout the growing season. It requires watering once per week during the hot months and less often in the dormant season. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
This plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, which is from late spring to early fall. Use a slow-release fertilizer or apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Stop fertilizing in the fall when the plant goes dormant.
Pruning
Prune Justicia striata subsp. occidentalis to promote its bushy growth, which improves flowering. Prune back stems that have finished flowering to encourage new growth and more blooms. Use clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant. Prune in the dormant season when the plant is resting.
Propagation of Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton
Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton are small and black in color. To propagate through seeds, collect the ripe seeds and sow them in seed trays filled with well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them gently. Place the seed trays in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem cutting from the parent plant and remove all the leaves except the top two. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting gently, and place it in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should take root within a few weeks.
Disease Management
Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton is generally a hardy plant, but it may still be susceptible to some diseases which include:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease shows up as small, dark spots on leaves. Remove the infected leaves and discard them in the trash.
- Rust: This disease appears as orange or yellow spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. Remove all infected parts of the plant and prune the plant to increase air circulation.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powder or film on leaves and sometimes on flowers. Remove the infected leaves and increase air circulation to reduce moisture around the plants.
To prevent disease, avoid watering plants from above, and water plants at soil level. Keep the plants in well-draining soil, and avoid overcrowding plants, which can restrict air circulation. Use clean gardening tools and avoid working in a wet garden, which can spread disease.
Pest Management
Justicia striata (Klotzsch) Bullock subsp. occidentalis J.K.Morton is not often troubled by pests. But some common pests that could attack this plant include:
- Spider mites: These tiny insects spin webs on leaves and stems and suck plant juices, causing leaves to turn yellow. Insecticidal soap can be used to control spider mites.
- Aphids: These small insects cluster on new shoots and leaves, producing sticky honeydew and causing leaves to curl and yellow. You can remove them by hand or use a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant.
- Mealybugs: These insects look like bits of cotton on the plant and suck plant juices, causing misshapen leaves and stunted growth. Insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab can be used to control them.
To prevent pest infestations, keep plants healthy and stress-free by proper watering and fertilization, avoid over-fertilizing, and keep the area around the plants clean and free of debris. Monitor plants regularly, and treat pest problems as soon as they are noticed.
