Mexican shrimp plant (Justicia spicigera)
Care, watering, light and tips for Mexican shrimp plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Mexican shrimp plant
Justicia spicigera, commonly known as Mozote, is a perennial shrub in the Acanthaceae family, prized for its striking tubular reddish-orange flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It's an ideal plant for low hedges, borders, or as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical gardens, adding a vibrant and natural touch of color.
Native range
Mexico and Central America
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade for abundant flowering. Watering should be regular, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially in warm climates. It adapts to a variety of well-drained soils, though it prefers slightly acidic to neutral ones. A common mistake is neglecting pruning, which can lead to leggy growth; prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage more blooms.
How to save a dying Mexican shrimp plant
- Warning signs
- Drooping, yellowing leaves or dry brown spots. Lack of flowering or premature wilting flowers.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, repot with fresh, well-draining soil. Place in bright partial shade.
- What kills it
- Extreme over or under-watering. Intense direct sun that burns its leaves. Lack of soil nutrients.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's a resilient plant. Act quickly upon detecting symptoms and correcting the issue.