Brazilian plume
justicia carnea
Also known as: ["Brazilian plume flower","coral plant","water plume"]
Overview
A tropical shrub known for its large, showy, plume-like inflorescences in shades of pink to coral, typically grown as an ornamental plant for its striking floral display.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Genus: | Justicia |
| Botanical Name: | Justicia carnea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright indirect light or outdoor garden bed in sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates, less often in humid environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile potting mix with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun gradually to prevent scorching; move indoors during extreme heat or cold; provide dappled light in intense sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in cooler months.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good water retention but no standing water; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain humidity; protect from cold drafts.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during growing season, monthly in spring and fall
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing dry soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or moist soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Optional, but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, water or soil medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead/damaged growth; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh potting mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and flowering.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in cold; yellowing or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Stagnant growth, leaf discoloration, and potential death if exposed to freezing temperatures.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; cover with a frost cloth if outdoors.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; use diluted fertilizer; water before fertilizing; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicJusticia carnea is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic substances that would pose a risk to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicJusticia carnea is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or evidence suggesting that ingestion or contact with this plant causes toxicity in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicJusticia carnea is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Justicia carnea be watered?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, especially during the growing season.
Q: Does Justicia carnea require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but in hot climates, partial shade is preferable to prevent leaf scorch.
Q: Can Justicia carnea be grown indoors?
A: It can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light, but it may not flower as profusely as when grown outdoors.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Acanthaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
