Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera)

Also known as: Orange Plume Flower, Yaxan, Muicle, Moyotle

Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) is a perennial shrub known for its vibrant orange blooms. It thrives best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Native to regions including Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico, this plant prefers well-draining soil and regular watering, particularly during dry periods. While it is not frost-resistant, it flourishes in warm climates with moderate to high humidity. Light pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. Interestingly, the plant is also used to make a tea that turns the steeping water blue.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Mexican honeysuckle

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1.8 m

Spread

1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Orange

Images of Mexican honeysuckle

Quickly Identify Mexican honeysuckle

Look for tubular orange flowers and lanceolate leaves. The plant typically grows in a bushy form and is often about 3 to 4 feet tall.

Scientific Classification of Mexican honeysuckle

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Acanthus

Genus

Water-willows

Species

Mexican honeysuckle

Planting and Growing of Mexican honeysuckle

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Mexican honeysuckle?

Justicia spicigera, commonly known as Mexican Honeysuckle, thrives with consistent moisture. Water thoroughly to ensure the soil is evenly saturated but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water until you see a bit of drainage from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the root system has received adequate moisture.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Mexican honeysuckle? ›

What should I do if my Mexican honeysuckle is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Mexican honeysuckle? ›

How to save an overwatered Mexican honeysuckle? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Mexican honeysuckle?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 5 to 8 hours

Justicia spicigera prospers best under partial to full sunlight conditions, with benefits including enhanced growth, rich blooming, and improved resistance to common pests and diseases.

What is the best lighting condition for Justicia spicigera? ›

How to ensure ideal lighting for Justicia spicigera? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Justicia spicigera? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Mexican honeysuckle?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 77℉

Justicia spicigera thrives best in a warm environment where temperatures typically range between 65°F to 77°F. Maintaining this range will facilitate optimal growth and flowering. Keeping the plant within this temperature range can help maximize photosynthesis efficiency and support lush, vibrant foliage. Deviating from this range might stunt growth or impact the overall health of the plant.

What Soil is Best for Mexican honeysuckle?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Justicia spicigera thrives best in soil that provides excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. Good drainage is essential to avoid root rot and ensure healthy growth. Rich and fertile soil is crucial for fulfilling the nutritional needs of the plant. The presence of organic matter supports robust growth and vibrant blooms. While drainage is important, the soil should also retain some moisture. Consistent moisture levels aid in the sustained flowering and lush foliage of the plant.

How to Fertilize Mexican honeysuckle?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Justicia spicigera, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of around 10-10-10 is ideal. During the growing season, use about half of the recommended fertilizer package amount per application to avoid overfeeding the plant, which can lead to undesirable growth.

How to Prune Mexican honeysuckle?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Identify any stems that are weak or over-elongated. Use your shears to cut them back by about one-third to promote new, stronger growth. This will also help the plant maintain a compact, attractive shape. Once the Justicia spicigera flowers start to fade, use your shears to remove spent blooms. This encourages the plant to direct energy towards new flower production and keeps the plant looking fresh. As the Justicia spicigera grows, regularly trim the edges to maintain your preferred shape. This prevents the plant from becoming too woody and encourages bushy growth that leads to more flowers. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Mexican honeysuckle plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Select a healthy, non-flowering stem approximately 10-15 cm long. Make a clean cut just below a node to increase the chances of successful rooting. Ensure the cutting has at least two sets of leaves, removing the lower set before planting.

For cuttings, dip the base in rooting hormone before placing it in moist, well-draining soil. For seeds, sow them about 1 cm deep in potting mix. Ensure the planting medium is kept consistently moist to encourage root development.

Once roots have developed in cuttings or seedlings have grown to a manageable size, transplant them to their final location. Ensure they are placed in well-draining soil and receive adequate sunlight, which is imperative for robust growth.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Mexican honeysuckle plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Justice spicigera should be repotted when you notice its roots are beginning to encircle the pot, or if water takes too long to drain through the soil. These signs indicate that the plant has outgrown its current home, and it's best to repot during its growing seasons in Spring or Summer to minimize stress.

Opt for a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This will give the roots space to expand without overwhelming them with too much soil, which could retain excess moisture and lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to maintain ideal soil moisture levels.

A well-draining, organic-rich soil mixture is optimal for Justicia spicigera. The right mix will support robust root growth by providing essential nutrients and enabling good air circulation. Avoid overly dense soils, which can suffocate the roots and hinder plant health.