Today we’re going to talk about how to take care of shrimp trees, specifically the Mexican shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana). These popular plants are relatively easy to care for and bloom constantly!.
The shrimp plant, also known as Justicia brandegeeana, is a popular tropical flowering shrub admired for its unique blooms that resemble tiny shrimp. While the shrimp plant has modest green foliage, its showstopping bracts in hues of pink, orange, yellow, or lime green are what makes this plant a standout in any garden.
One way to showcase the shrimp plant’s colorful bracts is by braiding the stems. Braiding concentrates the flowers together, creates a neat and tidy appearance, and adds visual interest. Here is a complete step-by-step guide to braiding your own shrimp plant for a gorgeous, long-lasting display.
When to Braid a Shrimp Plant
The best time to braid a shrimp plant is when it is actively growing in the warm season and has an abundance of pliable stems to work with. Ideally, braid the plant before or just as the bracts begin to emerge so they will grow nicely clustered together.
Braiding is best done in spring through fall when temperatures are warm. Avoid braiding in the cooler winter months when growth has slowed. The stems will be stiffer and more prone to snapping.
Gather Your Supplies
Braiding a shrimp plant is easy to do with just a few basic supplies
- Gardening snips or scissors
- Twine, raffia, or ribbon
- A funnel or shaft from a windsock (optional)
Select the Stems
Examine your shrimp plant and identify the most flexible, healthy stems to braid Trim any dead or damaged growth.
Select 3 to 5 stems of roughly equal length and thickness. Make sure the stems are long enough to braid, ideally at least 12-18 inches.
Aim for stems that originate close together from the base for the easiest braiding. Or you can trim stems back before braiding if needed.
Clean Up the Stems
Before braiding, clean up the stems by:
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Removing any leaves, flowers or bracts from the lower half of the stems.
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Trimming off any small side shoots.
This will allow you to easily intertwine the stems without obstruction.
Begin Braiding
To start the braid:
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Gather the prepared stems together at the base.
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Anchor the stems in one hand to hold them steady.
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Use your other hand to cross the outer right stem over the middle stem.
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Next cross the outer left stem under the middle stem.
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Continue crisscrossing the right and left stems over and under as you work your way down the bundle.
Occasionally rotate the bundle to keep the braid tight.
Secure the Ends
Once your braid is complete:
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Wrap twine, raffia or ribbon neatly around the base of the braid to cover where the stems come together. Tie it off.
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On the bottom tip, wrap the material around and tie off to protect the ends from unraveling.
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Trim any stray ends for a clean finish.
Add Support (Optional)
For extra support as the braided stems grow longer, slide a funnel or windsock shaft over the center. This will act like a stake to keep the stems upright and nicely clustered.
Ongoing Care
Keep these tips in mind as you care for your braided shrimp plant:
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Check periodically for new growth sprouting below the braid. Trim as needed for a tidy look.
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Tie new shoots into the braid if desired. But avoid overcrowding the stems.
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Watch for fading bracts and trim old flower spikes to encourage new blooms.
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Rewrap the base if it becomes loose to maintain a tight braid.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
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Stems snapping – Select young flexible stems and be gentle when braiding. Don’t force stiff mature wood.
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Braid unwinding – Make sure to crisscross stems tightly as you braid. Check for gaps and retie as needed.
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Congested appearance – Resist cramming too many stems together. Leave some space between stems for best display.
Inspiring Examples of Braided Shrimp Plants
Once complete, a braided shrimp plant makes a showstopping specimen in the garden. The clustered colorful bracts will be on full display. Here are just a few gorgeous examples of braided shrimp plants:
[Photo 1 – Pink braided shrimp plant in garden bed]
[Photo 2 – Lime green braided shrimp plant in patio container]
[Photo 3 – Large orange braided shrimp plant flanking front door]
Braiding truly maximizes the unique beauty of the shrimp plant’s flowers. With just a bit of time and effort, you can turn a plain shrimp plant into a stunning star of your tropical garden.
Frequently Asked Questions about Braiding Shrimp Plants
Here are answers to some common questions about braiding shrimp plants:
How long will a braided shrimp plant last?
A properly braided shrimp plant can last for many months, often up to a year or longer. Keep it vibrant by trimming faded flowers and tying in fresh new growth.
Do you need to remove the leaves before braiding?
It’s recommended to remove leaves and bracts from the lower portion of the stems that will be braided. This allows for easier weaving and a neater look. Leaves can be left on the upper unbraided sections.
How tight should you braid the stems?
Braid the stems fairly tightly, but be careful not to pinch or crush them. Some space between the stems is good to allow room for growth. Periodically rotate the braid and retie the base to maintain tightness.
Can you braid a shrimp plant with only 2 stems?
It’s best to use 3-5 stems for braiding. With only 2 stems, it’s difficult to create a braid and the stems are more likely to simply twist around each other. Start with at least 3 stems for the proper braided effect.
Should you prune shrimp plants regularly?
Routine pruning encourages fuller, bushier growth and more prolific flowering on shrimp plants. Trim off leggy stems and faded blooms. This will promote the new growth ideal for braiding.
Braiding a shrimp plant truly enhances its tropical flair. Follow this guide for a gorgeous braided specimen that will add striking color and visual interest to your garden all season long. Soon your neighbors will be asking how they can braid their shrimp plants too!
Why People Love This Plant
The shrimp plant comes from places in Central America like Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, but it has also lived in Florida. This tropical flowering tree is loved for its red flowers that look like shrimp. These trees do best in warm, tropical weather, but they can be grown inside or outside.