Palicourea elata, formerly Psychotria elata, commonly known as girlfriend kiss and labios de puta, is a tropical plant that ranges from Central to South American rain forests in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia. Palicourea elata is extremely sensitive and requires specific climates to grow, those climates most like rainforests are best suitable for this plant. It is most notable for its distinctly shaped red bracts and is consequently nicknamed “Hot Lips”. Though the bright red bracts are considered its most flashy feature, they are not the actual flowers of the plant but instead extravagant leaves; the flowers of Palicourea elata lie within the “red lip” leaves. Just like human lips, the hot lips plant comes in a variety of shapes and forms offering a vast array of plants. P. elata is well-studied and has been documented over centuries to provide various health benefits to native communities. Due to these benefits and the overall appearance of the plant, it has been over-harvested and is now endangered.
Palicourea elata is resistant to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. With regard to care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. Planted outdoors, it needs only light watering and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Nevertheless, smaller plants should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Palicourea elatat is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not call for extensive care experience.
How to keep Psychotria Elata.
Light
Palicourea elata naturally occurs in habitats like forest understories and rocky sites, where it grows in naturally shaded conditions. It prefers partial sun but is capable of tolerating both full sun and complete shade, showing that it is adaptable and hardy.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Palicourea elata comes from tropical areas where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It usually cannot withstand cold temperatures and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Palicourea elata is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging large, vibrant, long-lasting flowers. It helps transfer nutrients from the roots to the flowers and boosts the plant's health and resistance to disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Psychotria
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 2.13 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Red
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Colombia, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica
