Justicia Chlorostachya

Description

Justicia Chlorostachya, commonly known as the green-spiked water-willow, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Southern Africa. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is known for its attractive green leaves and small purple flowers. The plant grows up to 2 meters tall and can spread up to 1 meter wide. It is a great addition to any garden or landscape, providing beautiful foliage and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The green-spiked water-willow has lance-shaped, glossy, green leaves that are 5-15 cm long and 2.5-4 cm wide. The plant produces small purple flowers that are about 1 cm long and are arranged in spikes that are 10-20 cm long. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators. The plant grows upright and can develop a bushy habit when mature. Overall, it has a neat and attractive appearance and can add a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.

Care Guide

The green-spiked water-willow is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers moist soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: The plant can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It can tolerate some frost but may die back in colder regions.

Common Pests & Diseases

The green-spiked water-willow is relatively disease-resistant and pest-resistant. However, here are some potential problems to look out for:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use a miticide to control them.
• Mealybugs: These pests can cause a sticky residue on the plant’s leaves. Use a systemic insecticide to control them.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to control it.

Habitat

The green-spiked water-willow is native to Southern Africa, where it grows in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate some flooding. It is also found in areas with high rainfall and can grow in acidic or alkaline soils. The plant is well-adapted to its natural habitat and can thrive in similar conditions in your garden or landscape.

Question and Answer

Q: Can the green-spiked water-willow be grown in containers?

A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its growth and provides good drainage.

Q: How often should I fertilize the green-spiked water-willow?

A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

Q: Can the green-spiked water-willow tolerate drought?

A: No, the plant prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought. Water it regularly to keep the soil moist.

Q: How do I propagate the green-spiked water-willow?

A: The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take a 10-15 cm cutting from the tip of a stem, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting will root in 2-3 weeks.

Related Plants

• Justicia aurea
• Justicia brandegeeana
• Justicia carnea
• Justicia spicigera

References

• “Justicia Chlorostachya.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2019, http://pza.sanbi.org/justicia-chlorostachya.
• “Justicia Chlorostachya.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e515.
• “Justicia Chlorostachya.” Royal Horticultural Society, 2021, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/207300/i-Justicia-chlorostachya-i/Details.