Acanthaceae
Shrimp Plant: Complete Care Guide
Justicia brandegeeana
An easy-to-grow plant that prefers bright indirect light and well-draining soil. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Thrives both indoors and outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates.
Every 5 days
Partial shade
10° - 29°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Shrimp Plant?
Shrimp Plant (Justicia brandegeeana) is a easy-care plant from the Acanthaceae family. Justicia brandegeeana is a tropical evergreen shrub native to Mexico, belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant for its distinctive shrimp-shaped bracts that range from red to pink and yellow, with small white flowers emerging from within. It can reach up to 90 c...
Shrimp Plant grows up to 90cm, with spread of 90cm, watering every 5 days, 10°C – 29°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water approximately every 5 days, allowing the top of the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Lighting
Prefers bright indirect light. Tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid intense midday sun which can scorch leaves and bleach the bracts.
Ideal Soil
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A general-purpose potting mix with added perlite or sand works well. Good drainage is essential.
Recommended Pot
Ceramic or plastic pot with drainage holes. The Shrimp Plant adapts well to medium-sized pots (20-25 cm) and also to window boxes.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Shrimp Plant
Justicia brandegeeana is a tropical evergreen shrub native to Mexico, belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant for its distinctive shrimp-shaped bracts that range from red to pink and yellow, with small white flowers emerging from within. It can reach up to 90 cm tall and blooms nearly year-round in warm climates.
How to Propagate
Stem cutting
Take cuttings in spring or summer for best results. Use clean, sterilized tools.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem of 10-15 cm with at least 2 nodes
- 2 Remove the lower leaves
- 3 Apply rooting hormone to the base (optional)
- 4 Plant in moist, well-draining substrate
- 5 Keep in a spot with indirect light and high humidity
- 6 Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks
Materials needed:
Seed propagation
Fresh seeds germinate better. Maintain constant temperature for the best germination rate.
- 1 Collect mature seeds from the plant
- 2 Sow in light, moist substrate
- 3 Cover lightly with substrate
- 4 Keep moist and in a warm location (22-25°C)
- 5 Germination occurs in 3-6 weeks
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
90cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional use in Mexico for treating dysentery and gastrointestinal disorders
- Folk application for coughs and skin irritations
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, soft-bodied, winged insects closely related to aphids and mealybugs. They are moth-like in appearance, about 1/16 inch long, triangular in shape, and gray-white in color. These sap-sucking pests feed on plant tissue, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and wilting. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth. Whiteflies can transmit serious plant viruses.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes tropical warmth and vibrancy; in Mexican folk tradition associated with hospitality and abundance.
Fun Facts
The colorful bracts resemble shrimp, giving the plant its common name
It can bloom nearly year-round in tropical climates
It is an excellent plant for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies
The Huastec people of Mexico used this plant in traditional medicine
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Shrimp Plant?
Is the Shrimp Plant toxic to pets?
What light does the Shrimp Plant need?
How do I propagate a Shrimp Plant?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
