How to Grow Yerba de pasmo
iNaturalist
Yerba de pasmo
Justicia pectoralis
herbYerba de pasmo is a tropical perennial herb native to Central and South America, known for its small, delicate leaves and traditional medicinal uses. The plant produces small purple or pink flowers and grows as a low, spreading groundcover or potted specimen. It has been used for centuries in folk medicine for respiratory and digestive ailments.
When should you plant Yerba de pasmo in your zone?
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Example Yerba de pasmo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Yerba de pasmo
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Yerba de pasmo
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Yerba de pasmo dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-12; grown as a tender annual or container plant in cooler regions
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Get my Yerba de pasmo timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 cotyledons emerge; delicate true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist; provide bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun which can scorch tender seedlings
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops low, spreading growth habit with opposite leaves; stems are soft and herbaceous; no flowers present
Maintain consistent moisture and humid conditions; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced, diluted fertilizer
Flowering
6-8 weeksSmall, delicate purple, pink, or white flowers appear in terminal spikes along stems; plant reaches mature height and spread
Continue regular watering and fertilization; flowering may be triggered by warm temperatures and adequate light; allow some flowers to develop seeds if desired
Mature/Harvestable
Ongoing (perennial)Plant is fully established with dense foliage; continuously produces new leaves and flowers; reaches 12-18 inches in height and spread
Maintain moisture and humidity; prune regularly to encourage bushiness and prevent legginess; can be harvested for medicinal use while continuing to grow
Dormancy
3-4 months (winter period)In cooler climates or when temperatures drop, plant may slow growth significantly or die back; growth nearly halts
Reduce watering; protect from temperatures below 50°F; in cold regions, dig up plant and bring indoors to overwinter in warm location
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to knock off mites; use neem oil if infestation is severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; reduce nitrogen fertilizer which promotes susceptibility
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; use sand layer on top of soil; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) if needed
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Manually remove with soft brush; spray with horticultural oil; treat with neem oil
Uses
Respiratory health and bronchial support
MedicinalYerba de pasmo has a long tradition in Central and South American folk medicine for supporting respiratory function, particularly for coughs and bronchial congestion. The leaves are typically brewed into a tea or infusion. [source]
Digestive and gastrointestinal support
MedicinalTraditionally used to aid digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health; may help with stomach discomfort and promote healthy digestion when taken as a warm tea. [source]
Herbal tea and beverages
CulinaryFresh or dried leaves can be steeped to make a mild, slightly aromatic herbal tea with a pleasant flavor; sometimes blended with other medicinal herbs for enhanced benefits. [source]
Ornamental houseplant
HouseholdWith its low, spreading growth habit and delicate flowers, yerba de pasmo makes an attractive groundcover or cascading potted plant for indoor cultivation in warm climates or as a tender perennial elsewhere. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable plant for supporting pollinators in gardens and containers. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves as needed once plant is established (at least 8-10 weeks old); pinch off young leaves and stems from the top to encourage bushier growth; best harvested in morning after dew dries; can be used fresh or dried; for medicinal use, harvest before or during flowering when active compounds are most concentrated; sustainable harvesting involves taking only 1/3 of plant at a time to allow continued growth
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'yerba de pasmo' is Spanish, literally meaning 'herb of fright' or 'herb of shock,' reflecting its historical use for nervous conditions and startled states in traditional Caribbean and Central American medicine.
- 🌱 Yerba de pasmo is also known by several other common names including Brazilian waterhyssop, Brazilian fuchsia, and water hyssop, indicating its wide distribution and use across tropical regions.
- 🌱 The plant is naturally found in humid, tropical environments and prefers consistently moist soil, making it an excellent candidate for terrarium growing or humid bathroom windowsills.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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