Acanthaceae
Brazilian Plume (Justicia carnea)
Justicia carnea
An easy plant for bright light or part shade and rich, moist soil that never stays soggy. Feed monthly in the growing season, cut back the tips in early spring to keep it compact, and protect it from hard frost.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
-1° - °C
50% - %
Categories
What is Brazilian Plume?
Brazilian Plume (Justicia carnea) is a easy-care plant from the Acanthaceae family. Brazilian plume (Justicia carnea) is a shrub in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae) native to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, northeastern Argentina (Misiones) and Paraguay. It grows 60-150 cm tall, with large, dark green, slightly veined leaves, and carries dense spikes of tubular pink flowers...
Brazilian Plume grows up to 1.5m, watering every 4 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Brazilian Plume tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Brazilian Plume is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 8 days.
How to Care for Brazilian Plume?
TLDR: Brazilian Plume needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between -1-30°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Brazilian Plume?
Keep the soil evenly moist from spring to fall, watering when the surface starts to dry (about twice a week in hot weather). Water less in winter.
How Much Light Does Brazilian Plume Need?
Bright light or part shade. Hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves; too much shade gives leggy stems and fewer flowers.
What Is the Best Soil for Brazilian Plume?
Rich, loose, well-drained potting mix high in organic matter. Use a pot with drainage holes and don't let water sit in the saucer.
What Pot Should You Use for Brazilian Plume?
A heavy clay or ceramic pot with drainage holes, since the plant gets top-heavy.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Brazilian Plume and Where Does It Come From?
Brazilian plume (Justicia carnea) is a shrub in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae) native to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, northeastern Argentina (Misiones) and Paraguay. It grows 60-150 cm tall, with large, dark green, slightly veined leaves, and carries dense spikes of tubular pink flowers (white forms exist) at the branch tips, like a feathery plume. It blooms from spring to fall and suits partly shaded beds and containers.
How to Propagate Brazilian Plume?
Tip cuttings
Bottom heat speeds rooting. A plastic bag over the pot keeps humidity up.
- 1 Cut 10 cm tips from healthy stems
- 2 Remove the lower leaves
- 3 Insert into moist potting mix
- 4 Keep warm (about 21 C) in indirect light until rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Brazilian Plume Grow?
TLDR: Brazilian Plume can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Brazilian Plume?
TLDR: Brazilian Plume is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Fun Facts
It is native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest.
Its old name Jacobinia carnea lives on as the common name jacobinia.
Spider mites are about the only pest that bothers it, mostly in dry indoor air.
Frequently asked questions
Does Brazilian plume need full sun?
How often should I water it?
How do I propagate Justicia carnea?
Is it frost hardy?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
