Justicia subsessilis Oliv. Description
Justicia subsessilis Oliv. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. The plant is also known as the purple shrimp plant and originated from tropical regions in Central and South America, particularly from Mexico to Colombia. It has become a popular ornamental houseplant due to its decorative foliage and vibrant-colored flowers.
General appearance
The Justicia subsessilis Oliv. plant has a bushy and upright growth habit with multiple thin stems that can reach up to 60 centimeters in height. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, ovate-shaped, and grow up to 10 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide. The plant produces eye-catching inflorescences of tiny, bright purple flowers that resemble shrimps. These flowers bloom in clusters that can last for several weeks and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.
Common names
The Justicia subsessilis Oliv. plant is known by a variety of common names depending on the region. In addition to purple shrimp plant, other common names include Mexican shrimp plant, shrimp plant, and acanthe subsessile.
Uses
Justicia subsessilis Oliv. is primarily grown for decorative purposes, both as an indoor and outdoor plant. The plant is easy to care for and thrives in warm temperatures with regular watering. Its colorful flowers and foliage add a pop of color and interest to gardens, balconies, patios, and living spaces. Some people use the plant's flowers and leaves for medicinal purposes as they contain compounds that help alleviate various health conditions such as headaches and gastrointestinal issues.
Overall, Justicia subsessilis Oliv. is a lovely addition to any plant enthusiast's collection and provides numerous benefits to both the environment and one's well-being.
Light Requirements
Justicia subsessilis Oliv. prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. It is best to place the plant near an east-facing window to ensure it gets enough light without overheating. Lack of sunlight can lead to leggy growth and loss of foliage.
Temperature Requirements
Justicia subsessilis Oliv. thrives in warm temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 15°C as it is sensitive to cold and can suffer from frostbite. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it needs protection from cold winds and frost.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Justicia subsessilis Oliv. should be well-draining and fertile. A recommended soil mixture is equal parts of peat, vermiculite, and perlite. The plant prefers soil that is slightly acidic and has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Heavy soils that hold moisture for extended periods should be avoided as this may lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Justicia subsessilis Oliv.
Justicia subsessilis Oliv. is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters tall. It requires well-draining soil and partial shade or full sun to grow and thrive. The ideal temperature range is between 15°C to 27°C, making the plant most suitable for growing in subtropical or tropical climates. The plant can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. Planting should be done in the early spring or late summer after preparing the soil with compost or well-rotted cow manure.
Watering Needs for Justicia subsessilis Oliv.
The plant requires consistent moderate watering throughout the growing season. The soil should neither be too dry nor too wet. Overwatering may cause the roots to rot, while underwatering causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Water the plant every few days, depending on the temperature and humidity levels in the environment.
Fertilization of Justicia subsessilis Oliv.
To promote healthy growth, the plant requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant every 3-4 weeks during the growing season and reduce the frequency in the dormant season. Avoid over-fertilization as it may encourage dense foliage growth but few flowers.
Pruning Justicia subsessilis Oliv.
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of Justicia subsessilis Oliv. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the lateral branches to half their length to encourage bushy growth and flower production. Remove any dead or diseased foliage to promote healthy growth. Pinch back the growing tips of the stem throughout the growing season to encourage branching and promote more flower buds.
Propagation of Justicia subsessilis Oliv.
Justicia subsessilis Oliv. can be propagated through both vegetative and seed sources.
Vegetative Propagation
The stem cuttings of Justicia subsessilis Oliv., taken from mature and healthy plants, are the most common method of vegetative propagation. The cuttings should be taken in the early spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. A cutting should be approximately 3-4 inches long and have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be stripped, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in a pot with sandy soil mix. The pot should then be covered with a plastic bag to maintain moisture levels and provide a humid environment. The cuttings will root within 4-6 weeks, and the plastic bag can then be removed.
Seed Propagation
Justicia subsessilis Oliv. seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown in the spring. The seeds should be placed in a pot with a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil. The pot should be kept moist and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they have two sets of leaves. The seedlings should be kept in a warm and sunny area and watered once a week.
Disease Management:
Justicia subsessilis is generally a healthy plant but can be affected by several diseases. The common diseases that affect this plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew is caused by fungal infection that manifests in the form of a white powdery layer on the leaves. The disease spreads quickly in warm and humid conditions. Leaf spot disease is caused by bacteria or fungi and has symptoms that include yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Root rot disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that cause the roots to rot away. This disease results in wilting of leaves and eventually plant death.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to provide good cultural practices such as pruning of infected parts of the plant and disposing of them. Avoid overhead irrigation and plant the Justicia subsessilis in well-draining soil. Applying neem oil or copper fungicides early to the infected plant parts may also help to control the disease spread. In severe persistence of disease, chemical control measures such as fungicides can be used.
Pest Management:
Justicia subsessilis does not have any significant pest problems. However, it can be subject to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant sap, causing visible speckles on the leaves. Aphids are small and soft-bodied insects that also suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Mealybugs are more prevalent in indoor conditions, which manifests in wax-covered insects that suck sap from the plant, causing slow growth.
To manage these pests, it's necessary to regularly inspect the plant for infestations. For heavy infestations of spider mites and aphids, it is practical to wash the plant with water, spray with insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil. Mealybugs can be controlled using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Avoid over-fertilizing or providing excess water to the plant, which may attract pests. In severe cases of pest infestation, chemical pesticides can be used.
