Description
This Shrimp Packs a Big Color Punch
One look at its rosy-pink flowers, and any doubt about how the Shrimp Plant got its name vanishes. A fast grower – reaching up to 6 ft. tall – the Shrimp blooms easily, and can be pruned into a bushy shape.
Native to Mexico, the Shrimp Plant is a frost-tender evergreen that prefers moist, well drained soil in partial shade. Its colorful flower bracts may actually bleach out in full sun. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to the white flower inside its bracts. Container friendly, use the Shrimp indoors to brighten up a room.
Caring for your Shrimp Plant
Though it originally hails from Mexico, it has become a popular plant worldwide for its unique appearance and tropical vibe. Despite its exotic nature, the Red Shrimp Plant is not overly demanding and can be successfully cared for with some basic knowledge and attention.
Light
First and foremost, the location of your Red Shrimp Plant is crucial for its health. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. However, it can tolerate some direct sun, especially in cooler climates. If the leaves begin to fade or show signs of burning, it’s likely getting too much direct sunlight. A north or east-facing window indoors or a dappled shade spot outdoors would be ideal.
Soil and Watering
Red Shrimp Plants prefer well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging and potential root rot. An all-purpose potting mix with added perlite for extra drainage would be sufficient. Watering should be done when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. This plant enjoys a good drink but doesn’t like to sit in overly damp conditions, so ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Humidity
Being a tropical plant, it loves warm, humid environments. Indoor growers may want to place the plant on a humidity tray or near a humidifier, especially in dry winter months. Temperatures should ideally stay between 60-75°F (15-24°C), and the plant should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Fertilizer
Red Shrimp Plants are not particularly heavy feeders but do benefit from regular feeding during the growing season (spring through fall). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to support the growth and flowering of your plant. Always follow the package instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to chemical burn or excessive, weak growth.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a Red Shrimp Plant as it can get leggy over time. Regular pruning helps to promote a bushy growth habit and stimulate further flowering. Prune in early spring before new growth starts, cutting back to about half of the plant’s size or to where you see new buds forming. You can also pinch back the tips throughout the growing season to encourage branching.
Repotting
Red Shrimp Plants generally need to be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer. When repotting, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and ensure it has adequate drainage.
Pest and Disease Control
Red Shrimp Plants are generally quite resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally suffer from common houseplant pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you notice any signs of pests, treat the plant promptly with an appropriate pesticide or insecticidal soap. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so always make sure the soil is nearly dry before watering.
Propagation
Red Shrimp Plants can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil slightly moist, and the cuttings should root in a few weeks.
Laryssa Kundanmal (verified owner) –
recipient was upset that there are no blooms as expected based on picture 🙁 We have one ourselves and it is blooming right now so it is unexpected?
Richard H. (verified owner) –
Plant received in excellent condition and is thriving. I would definitely purchase this plant from this company again.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Great service and the plant was well cared for, well packaged and protected and shipped fast. The plant is great quality. already saw hummingbird twice.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Arrived not looking too good. Doing better though.
Debrah W. (verified owner) –
I was impressed by how well my plant was packaged to ship. It came to me in perfect condition with the soil still moist on it’s 3 day trek to me in the northeast. It looked the same as the photo that was sent to me. We had cold weather, so it was in at night until a few days ago when I put it in it’s own pot. It has lost a few leaves but I expected that but now it’s looking good. The person who delivered it evidently couldn’t see “This Side Up” on the box and laid it down but I was home and got it right away. 5 stars to this company! The only thing they got wrong was the spelling of my name, lol.
Abbie Batson (verified owner) –
The plants arrived with all dead blooms- however- they have already started growing new ones. I have high hopes they will make the transfer.
Ginette (verified owner) –
Another absolutely beautiful shrimp plant from Plant Vine!!!!….. I got one from them three months ago and it’s doing so well I ordered another!!… Very happy!! Thank you!
Kim Heard (verified owner) –
My plant arrived timely and well packed. Due to unexpected frosty nights here in Michigan, per the included instructions, it is temporarily sitting inside in front of a sunny window. I can’t wait to include this addition to my hummingbird feast!
Richard (verified owner) –
arrived in great condition like last years will buy from you again
christina johnson (verified owner) –
I bought two shrimp trees they were both in perfect condition when I received them because, they were packaged so well, have had them for almost a week and are both beautiful
MIchelle L Jones (verified owner) –
Ginette (verified owner) –
My beautiful, shrimp plant, came to me exactly like the picture I was shown!!… It’s very healthy, I’ve already transplanted it now that I’ve had it for a week… And it’s thriving!… Thank you so much!
Shirley Kelton (verified owner) –
Pamela Morris (verified owner) –
Wow, my plants are beautiful, ready to be showcasesdright out of the box.
Great job on the shipping, fast and the plants were packaged great.
I wish I could post a picture.
Thanks for once more coming through with awesome plants for me guys!
Hannah Johnson (verified owner) –
I LOVE my beautiful shrimp plants! My hummingbirds are already sipping away. The plants arrived in beautiful condition even given the hot weather. I’ll definitely be ordering more from Plant Vine!
Robin (verified owner) –
Flowering and healthy.
Richard Perhach (verified owner) –
arrived in perfect condition will buy from you again
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Mary Sony (verified owner) –
It looks great so far
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Desiree (verified owner) –
This plant is for my son ( open house gift). He is allergic to shellfish, so I thought he’d enjoy these shrimp!!!! H e was very excited to take the plant to his home. Quite the conversation piece!!
Kathy (verified owner) –
Arrived on time and was packaged well
Margaret Oconnor (verified owner) –