Jacobinia

Jacobinias enjoy frequent, steady watering. Water the Jacobinia on an every-other-day basis with lukewarm water, making sure to drain any excess water from the saucer. During the spring and summer seasons, water the soil until the plant is just lightly damp. In the winter months, water the soil until it’s moist but not soaking wet. It is also important to note that Jacobinias prefer high humidity, so placing the plant in a humidified room or misting the leaves on a regular basis is ideal.

Jacobinias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, so placing it near a south- or east-facing window is ideal. Make sure not to place the Jacobinia in direct sunlight, as this can cause the foliage to become scorched. Additionally, it is important to note that Jacobinias will thrive under fluorescent lighting, making it great for brightly lit but sometimes lightly sunny rooms.

Jacobinias prefer warmer temperatures and do not tolerate temperatures below 55°F (13°C). Furthermore, during the summer season, the plant can tolerate temperatures in the 80°F (26°C) range but should not exceed these temperatures. During the winter months, the Jacobinia should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 68°F (20°C).

For optimal growth, Jacobinias prefer high humidity levels. Failing to meet this requirement can cause some of the foliage to yellow and die. To increase the humidity within a room, you can invest in a humidifier or place the plant on a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles. Misting the foliage with lukewarm water on a regular basis can also help to up the humidity levels around the Jacobinia.

Jacobinias require rich potting soil to ensure that it is able to uptake enough nutrients. An ideal potting soil blend for a Jacobinia is a combination of equal parts compost, loam, and perlite. Additionally, it is important to note that the soil should be well-draining to prevent any root rot from forming.

Jacobinias require fertilization about every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. For optimal growth, use a liquid fertilizer with the nitrogen content being the highest of the three NPK values. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion or worm compost tea.

Pests can be a nuisance for Jacobinias but there are some easy methods to combat them. Common pests include scale insects, whiteflies, and mealybugs. To get rid of these pests, you should introduce beneficial insects to the Jacobinia, such as ladybugs or lacewings, as they’ll feast on the pests. Alternatively, you can create a mixture of insecticidal soap and water and spray the mixture onto the foliage to get rid of the infestation.

Once a year, it is important to repot the Jacobinia. The soil should be completely saturated and when replanting, use fresh potting soil. Once repotted, water the soil thoroughly and be sure to not over-water it. This will allow for better healthy root formation.

Jacobinias are very easy to prune, as often times, the foliage has a tendency to become leggy. Pruning the Jacobinia at any time will help to keep its form shapely and promote new growth. Simply use clean, sharp tools to prune off leaves and twigs as needed and make sure that there’s at least ¾” between each cut to keep the plant looking its best.

Mulching helps to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth in the soil. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the pot helps to protect the Jacobinia’s roots from extreme temperatures and provides additional nutrients to the soil. A good mulch for a Jacobinia is one that is made from a combination of grass clippings and compost.

Jacobinias can be easily propagated with either stem cuttings or with a division of the roots. For stem cuttings, cut a 4” stem with multiple leaf nodes and place it in a pot filled with moist soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place it in indirect sunlight. After several weeks, small roots will form on the stem cutting. For division propagation, remove the pot and carefully separate the Jacobinia’s roots into two sections. Place both sections in separate pots and water the soil once complete.

Due to their tendency to become tall and floppy, it is important to provide Jacobinias with sturdy support when needed. This support can come in the form of plant stakes or trellis and should be placed near the base of the Jacobinia to prevent it from sagging.

Jacobinias can benefit from a rest period during the winter months as this will allow for optimal growth. During this time, reduce the water and fertilizing of the plant and place it a cooler area. Optimal temperatures should stand at around 10-13°C (50-55°F).

Jacobinias are not toxic to pets when ingested. That being said, it is still important to keep an eye on furry friends when they are in the proximity of the plant, as large ingestion of any plant can still upset the stomach.