Hooker's Lips

psychotria elata

Also known as: ["Kiss of Death","Hot Lips"]

Family: Rubiaceae Genus: Psychotria Category: Shrubs

Overview

A tropical shrub native to Central and South American rainforests, known for its distinctive red bracts that resemble lips.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Psychotria
Botanical Name: Psychotria elata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a humid, bright location away from direct sunlight
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Indoor Plant Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic potting mix; can use a mix of peat, perlite, and compost.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done as needed; major pruning in early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; place in a spot with filtered light; move outdoor plants to shade during peak sun hours.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth can indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

filtered or dappled light

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; monitor for leaf burn.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

well-draining, rich, organic potting mix

pH: Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5).

Use a pot with drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; check moisture before watering.

Temperature

Prefers temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to cold drafts.

Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent room temperature; monitor for signs of stress.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least two nodes.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use water propagation.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to encourage faster root development.

Timeline

Roots typically develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take an additional 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagation dome.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove leggy or crossing stems.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before the growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; may need repotting if growth slows or soil dries out quickly.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like peat or compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or chlorosis in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; may lead to fungal infections in damp conditions.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a space heater if necessary; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration; may lead to pest infestations.

Solution: Increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; provide shade during peak heat; ensure adequate watering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Psychotria elata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Psychotria elata can be caused by water stress, either due to under- or overwatering, or root damage from pests or pathogens, leading to reduced water uptake and transport.

Leaf spots on Psychotria elata may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to necrotic lesions that impair photosynthesis and can progress to defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Psychotria elata is often associated with excessive moisture and poor drainage, creating anaerobic conditions that promote fungal or bacterial growth, leading to tissue decay.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they consume the berries of Psychotria elata. The alkaloids present can cause discomfort, though severe toxicity is unlikely.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep berries away from cats. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Psychotria elata berries may result in mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. While not highly toxic, it can cause discomfort and should be avoided.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from accessing the berries. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Psychotria elata, commonly known as the 'hooker's lips' plant, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The berries are the primary toxic parts, containing alkaloids that may lead to discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consumption of berries. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the bracts called 'Hooker's Lips'?

A: The bright red bracts resemble human lips, leading to the common name.

Q: Is Psychotria elata toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How should I care for this plant indoors?

A: Provide bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil to mimic its rainforest habitat.

Quick Reference
Family: Rubiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: filtered or dappled light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","indoor plant lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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