Justicia

Justicia adhatoda

Malabar Nut

Justicia adhatoda is an evergreen shrub or small tree from the subtropical foothills and plains of South Asia and the Himalayas, accustomed to warm conditions and seasonal monsoon moisture. Give it bright indirect light and let the top inch or two of mix dry before watering again, since it tolerates brief dryness far better than soggy roots. It accepts ordinary household humidity and prefers a well-draining mix that does not stay wet.

Justicia brandegeeana

Shrimp Plant

Justicia brandegeeana is a soft-stemmed subshrub from the seasonally warm woodlands of Mexico and Central America, where it grows in dappled light at the forest edge. It wants bright indirect light and evenly moist but never soggy soil; water when the top inch of mix has dried, more often in active growth and less in winter. It appreciates ordinary household humidity and benefits from pinching to stay full rather than leggy.

Justicia gendarussa

Warer Willow

Justicia gendarussa is a tropical Asian subshrub from warm, moist forest margins across South and Southeast Asia, so it wants steady warmth and bright indirect light rather than harsh direct sun. Let the top inch of mix dry before watering; it likes even moisture but resents sitting wet. In most homes medium humidity is sufficient, though it appreciates a little extra moisture in the air.

Justicia spicigera

Mohintli

Justicia spicigera is a shrub from the seasonally warm regions of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it grows in bright but often dappled conditions. Give it bright indirect light and let the top inch of mix dry before watering again; it tolerates a brief dry spell better than soggy roots. Average household humidity suits it well.

Justicia carnea

Brazilian-Plume

Justicia carnea is a soft-stemmed subshrub from the warm, humid forests of southeastern South America, where it grows in dappled understory light rather than full sun. Give it bright indirect light and keep the mix lightly moist, watering when the top inch has dried; its tender foliage wilts when too dry but the roots resent sitting wet. Average household humidity suits it, though it appreciates a more humid spot if leaf edges crisp.

Justicia californica

Beloperone

Justicia californica is a desert subshrub native to the arid Southwest of the United States and northwest Mexico, adapted to bright sun and lean, fast-draining soil. Give it the brightest spot you have and gritty, well-drained mix, then water deeply but infrequently — let the soil dry out almost completely, watering only when the top two inches are dry to the touch. It tolerates dry household air and is far more likely to suffer from overwatering than from drought.

Justicia betonica

White Shrimp Plant

Justicia betonica is a perennial subshrub in the Acanthaceae, a family of mostly soft-stemmed tropical and subtropical plants. It prefers bright, indirect light and steady but not soggy soil; let the top inch of mix dry before watering again. As a leafy subshrub it draws down moisture fairly quickly, so check it more often in warm or bright conditions.

Justicia aurea

Orange Flame Justicia

Justicia aurea is a shrubby Acanthaceae native to the moist montane and lowland forests of eastern and central Mexico, where it grows in dappled understory light. Give it bright indirect light and even, moderate moisture, letting the top inch or two of mix dry before watering again. It prefers warmth and resents both soggy roots and prolonged drought, so err toward slightly dry over wet.