Flamingo flower (Justicia carnea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Flamingo flower on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Flamingo flower
Justicia carnea, commonly known as Brazilian Plume, is a tropical evergreen shrub renowned for its spectacular, plume-like inflorescences of vibrant pink or purple. Its large, dark green leaves and upright habit make it ideal for adding an exotic touch to tropical gardens, patios, or as a bright indoor plant. It's an excellent choice for creating vibrant focal points or low hedges in warm climates.
Native range
Brazil
Care tips
It prefers bright, indirect light; intense direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, although it toler tolerates some morning sun. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, especially in winter; reduce watering as temperatures drop. Use a rich, organic, and well-draining potting mix. A common mistake is insufficient humidity, which can lead to brown leaf tips; consider misting its leaves or placing it near a humidifier.
How to save a dying Flamingo flower
- Warning signs
- Wilted or dropped leaves, especially young ones; brown and dry leaf tips; lack of flowering.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water thoroughly. If wet, check drainage. Move to partial shade if in strong sun.
- What kills it
- Excessive direct sun and extreme substrate dryness, or constant waterlogging that rots the roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and there are still green stems. It's a resilient plant.