Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana)
Care, watering, light and tips for Shrimp plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Shrimp plant
Justicia brandegeeana, commonly known as 'Shrimp Plant', is a perennial shrub from the Acanthaceae family, valued for its overlapping salmon, pink, or yellow bracts resembling shrimp. It is an ideal plant for adding an exotic and vibrant touch to tropical gardens, patio containers, or as an indoor plant in cooler climates. Its prolonged blooming makes it an attractive focal point for much of the year.
Native range
Mexico
Care tips
It prefers bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate some morning direct sun. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, especially in winter. Use a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix. A common mistake is neglecting to prune, which can lead to leggy growth; prune regularly to encourage a more compact shape and abundant blooming.
How to save a dying Shrimp plant
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing, or dropping leaves; no blooms; soft stems.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water thoroughly. If wet, ventilate and check drainage.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot, or extreme, prolonged drought.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and some green stems remain.