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Description
Justicia Quadrifaria, commonly known as the Water Willow, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Acanthaceae family. This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The Water Willow has long, narrow leaves and produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom during the summer and fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Justicia |
| Species | Quadrifaria |
Appearance
The Water Willow has long, narrow leaves that are arranged oppositely on the stem. The leaves can grow up to 6 inches long and 1 inch wide. The flowers of the Water Willow are small and white or pink in color. They grow in clusters at the end of the stem and bloom during the summer and fall. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Care Guide
Water Willow is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers moist soil and partial shade. Here are some care tips to keep your Water Willow healthy:
Water: Water your Water Willow regularly to keep the soil moist. Make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
Fertilization: Fertilize your Water Willow once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Water Willow prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Water Willow prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Hardiness Zones: Water Willow can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Water Willow is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by spider mites and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Water Willow can also be affected by root rot if the soil is kept too wet.
Habitat
Water Willow is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It can be found growing in wetlands, along streams and rivers, and in other moist environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Water Willow grow in full sun?
A: Water Willow prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Q: What is the ideal soil for Water Willow?
A: Water Willow prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Water Willow?
A: Fertilize your Water Willow once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What are the common pests that affect Water Willow?
A: Water Willow can be affected by spider mites and whiteflies.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Justicia genus include:
- Justicia Carnea
- Justicia Aurea
- Justicia Adhatoda
- Justicia Brandegeana
References
- “Justicia quadrifaria.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 18 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278056>
- “Justicia quadrifaria.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 18 July 2021. <https://plantcaretoday.com/justicia-quadrifaria.html>
- “Justicia quadrifaria – Water Willow.” Florida Native Plant Society. Accessed 18 July 2021. <https://fnps.org/plants/plant/justicia-quadrifaria>
