How to Care for a Shrimp Plant: A Complete Guide

With their eye-catching and uniquely shaped flower bracts, shrimp plants make a fun and tropical addition to both outdoor and indoor gardens. But how exactly should you care for these funky flowering shrubs? Read on for a complete guide to growing healthy, thriving shrimp plants.

What is a Shrimp Plant?

Shrimp plant refers to the popular houseplant and landscape shrub known botanically as Justicia brandegeeana, It’s nicknamed “shrimp plant” because of the curved pink flower bracts that resemble shrimp

Native to Mexico and parts of Central America, shrimp plants are tropical evergreen shrubs that typically reach 1-4 feet tall and wide. The sparse, oval green leaves are not much to look at. It’s the showy shrimp-like blooms that give this plant its appeal.

Shrimp Plant Care Basics

Here are the key factors to focus on for successful shrimp plant care:

• Sunlight – Shrimp plants need bright light but can tolerate some shade. Morning sun is ideal. Provide at least 4 hours of direct sun daily.

• Soil – Well-draining soil is crucial Use a loamy potting mix. Shrimp plants are prone to root rot in heavy, wet soil

• Water – Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot. Drought tolerant when established.

• Temperature – Thrives in average room temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Can withstand brief drops to 50°F (10°C). Avoid cold drafts.

• Humidity – Appreciate moderate to high humidity. Mist leaves or use a pebble tray.

• Fertilizer – Feed monthly during growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Here is a more in-depth look at the ideal conditions for keeping shrimp plants happy and healthy indoors and outdoors.

Light Requirements

Shrimp plants grow best in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate partial shade but need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Light is crucial for encouraging lush growth and prolific flowering.

Outdoors, choose a spot with morning sun filtered by trees. For indoor care, place shrimp plants near an east or west-facing window. Avoid hot, direct midday sun which can scorch the foliage. Dim light will result in sparse bloom production.

Soil Needs

Proper soil is one of the most important elements of shrimp plant care. These tropical shrubs require a very well-draining potting mix. Heavy, compacted soil that stays wet will lead to root rot.

Use a light, porous potting soil amended with perlite or sand to improve drainage. Loamy mixes work well. For outdoor plantings, mix in compost to enrich the soil. Re-pot container plants annually in fresh potting mix.

Watering and Humidity

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then soak the pot completely until water drains from the bottom. Shrimp plants are quite drought resistant once established. Too much moisture is more problematic than underwatering.

Outdoors, rely on rainfall in the growing season with supplemental watering during dry spells. Indoors, maintain average room humidity around 50-60%. Mist shrimp plant leaves daily or set pots on pebble trays.

Temperature Needs

Shrimp plants thrive in the warm temperatures they’d experience growing in tropical forests. Ideal indoor temperatures are 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and above 50°F (10°C) at night.

They can tolerate brief drops to 45-50°F (8-10°C) but prolonged chill will cause leaf drop. Protect from cold drafts near windows in winter. Outdoors, they survive light frosts when mature but need protection from hard freezes.

Fertilizer Recommendations

To fuel growth and blooms, feed shrimp plants monthly in spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half the recommended strength. Use an all-purpose houseplant formula. Pinch off any faded blooms to encourage new flower spikes.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is an important part of shrimp plant care:

• Pinch back leggy stems to encourage full, bushy growth.

• Cut back flower spikes after bloom to make way for new ones.

• Prune lightly in late winter to shape and remove dead stems.

• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup.

• Propagate from cuttings to make new plants as desired.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are some potential issues to watch for when caring for shrimp plants:

• Leaf drop – From too much sun/heat or exposure to cold. Move plant to better location.

• Sparse blooms – Needs more light. Turn or rotate plant to ensure even sun exposure.

• Root rot – Soil is staying too wet. Repot in better draining mix, allow soil to dry more between waterings.

• Leggy growth – Low light levels. Provide brighter light source and pinch back tips to encourage bushier habit.

• Pests – Check for common houseplant bugs like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Wipe leaves or use insecticidal soap.

Tips for Growing Shrimp Plants Outdoors

In frost-free climates, shrimp plants make a fun tropical addition to the garden. Follow these tips for outdoor success:

• Plant in spring after the last frost when night temps are reliably above 50°F (10°C).

• Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Shelter from hot midday sun.

• Prepare the planting area with loose, organic rich soil to improve drainage.

• Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow air circulation and prevent fungal disease.

• Water 1-2 times per week for the first month to establish roots. Then water as needed during dry periods.

• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Protect from hard freezes and prolonged cold below 30°F (-1°C) which can kill shoots. Cover or move to sheltered area.

Growing Shrimp Plants in Containers

Shrimp plants also adapt well to container culture. Follow these tips for success:

• Choose a container at least 10-12 inches wide with drainage holes. Use a lightweight potting mix.

• Position in bright, indirect light. Rotate periodically for even growth.

• Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings then soak thoroughly. Pour out excess water in saucer.

• Liquid fertilize monthly during active growth with a dilute balanced houseplant formula.

• Prune to contain size and promote bushiness. Pinch back leggy stems any time.

• Move containers indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) which can damage shoots.

How to Propagate Shrimp Plants

Shrimp plants are easy to propagate from cuttings. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Take 5-6 inch cuttings from the tips of established plants in spring using clean shears. Choose stems with healthy leaves.

2. Strip off the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.

3. Stick cuttings 2-3 inches deep in sterile potting mix. Water well and enclose in a plastic bag or propagator to maintain humidity.

4. Place in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated.

5. In about 4-6 weeks, cuttings should have rooted and show new growth. Transplant to regular pots using fast draining soil.

Shrimp Plant Varieties

There are several color variations of shrimp plant to choose from:

• Justicia brandegeeana – The most common species with bright pinkish-red bracts. Grows to 3 feet.

• Justicia brandegeeana ‘Shrimp Pink’ – Vibrant cherry pink flowers on a more compact 2 foot shrub.

• Justicia brandegeeana ‘Golden Shrimp’ – Features sunset orange bracts for a tropical look.

• Justicia brandegeeana ‘Green Shrimp’ – Has lime green flowers on deep purple stems for bold contrast.

Look for these fun varieties and more at your local garden center or order online. The shrimp plant’s distinctive blooms are sure to add artistic flair to your indoor or outdoor space!