What is the real name of the shrimp plant?
Justicia brandegeeana, commonly called shrimp plant, is native to Mexico. It is a sprawling, suckering, tropical evergreen shrub that grows to 5′ tall in its native habitat. It can be pruned shorter and will naturally grow much shorter in containers. Justicia brandegeeana ‘Fruit Cocktail’ is a cultivar of the Mexican shrimp plant, known for its bracts that are a mix of peach, pink, and yellow colors, resembling a fruit cocktail. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.A rare or uncommon color form of the common Red Shrimp Plant, the Yellow Queen Shrimp Plant produces a continuous display of upright to arching spikes composed of large showy light yellow to chartreuse colored bracts from which the individual pure white tubular flowers emerge in spring and summer to year round under .Known botanically as Pachystachys lutea, this tropical plant is easy to grow and will bloom all summer long. For another twist, there is a similar plant with red bracts called Mexican shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana). Yellow shrimp plants have dark-green, oval-shaped leaves.
Why is it called a shrimp plant?
Shrimp Plants earn their name from the elongated shape of their flower, resembling shrimp in the sea. They feature drooping blooms in pink, purple and white and are closely related to the golden shrimp plant with yellow blossoms. The blooms of a shrimp plant grow from “bracts” at the end of a stem. Characteristics: The shrimp plant has pinnate, opposite, ovate leaves that are about two and a half inches long. They are light green evergreen shrubs, that may require substantial water. The flowers are pinkish-orange organized in spikes – the structure of the flower helps it to withstand the UV rays of the sun.In tropical climates where most farmed shrimp is produced, it takes approximately three to six months to raise market-sized shrimp, with many farmers growing two to three crops per year.This easy-to-grow plant can reach two to six feet tall, and is easily recognized by the colorful, drooping, shrimp-like bracts it produces.Shrimp plants grow exceptionally well in containers, making them a great choice for shaded patios, balconies, and sunny windows. Use a medium to large pot with drainage holes, filled with rich, well-draining potting mix.
Is Shrimp Plant a houseplant?
Golden shrimp plant is easily grown in the ground as a summer annual in rich, moist soil in full sun (light shade in southern states) or as a houseplant. Shrimp plant grows best in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. It is hardy outside in zones 8 and south but freezes to the ground in winter in zones 8 and 9. It is also well suited for use as a pot plant for winter bloom so long as a sunny window is available.Place your Shrimp Plant in bright, indirect light. Hot afternoon sun can fade the unusual flower bracts that give this plant its name. Water when the top 1/2 inch of potting mix feels dry to the touch, and fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer (such as 20-20-20).Adjust watering every 2-3 weeks in winter to prevent root rot. Maintain indoor temperatures between 60°F to 70°F for optimal shrimp plant health. Protect from frost using cloths and relocate potted plants during harsh temperatures.Even plants that don’t experience cold temperatures should be pruned in winter. As a houseplant, Golden Shrimp responds well to being moved outdoors for the summer months. Give it a sunny spot on the patio and be sure to water frequently to keep the soil moist.Shrimp plant easily handles full sun, but also does fine in light shade and even heavy shade, if given morning sun for at least a few hours. If planted in shadier spots, it may form fewer flowers and get a bit taller.