How to Grow Justicia
Wikimedia Commons
Justicia
Justicia brandegeeana
shrubJusticia, commonly known as Shrimp Plant, is a tropical shrub prized for its distinctive shrimp-like flower spikes with overlapping bracts in shades of red, orange, yellow, or white. The plant produces delicate tubular flowers that emerge from the colorful bracts, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. It's popular as an ornamental houseplant and garden specimen in warm climates.
When should you plant Justicia in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Justicia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Justicia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Justicia
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Justicia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown in zone 9 with protection or as a container plant brought indoors
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Get my Justicia timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; very delicate and require high humidity
Keep soil evenly moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain 70-75°F, use propagation dome or plastic cover to maintain humidity
Vegetative
4-8 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and oval-shaped leaves with prominent veining; gradually increases in size
Provide bright indirect light, maintain consistent moisture, pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness, begin light fertilizing every 2 weeks
Pre-flowering
3-4 weeksPlant becomes fuller and more compact; leaf production slows as the plant allocates energy to bud development
Increase light exposure to 4-6 hours of bright indirect sun, continue regular fertilizing with balanced or bloom-promoting formula, maintain warm temperatures
Flowering
8-12 weeks or longer with proper careDistinctive shrimp-like flower spikes emerge with colorful overlapping bracts (red, orange, yellow, or white) and delicate tubular flowers peeking out
Provide maximum bright indirect light, maintain consistent moisture and humidity, feed every 2 weeks with diluted bloom-promoting fertilizer, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Maintenance & Rest
2-3 months (winter)After flowering season winds down, plant enters semi-dormant period; growth slows and flowering decreases
Reduce watering slightly, cut back on fertilizer, prune to shape and remove leggy growth, maintain 60-65°F if possible, prepare for next growing season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water to rinse undersides of leaves, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; isolate infested plants
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeat every 7-10 days until eliminated
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Scrape off manually, treat with horticultural oil or neem oil, improve air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, increase humidity and air circulation
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Ensure excellent drainage, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, repot in fresh soil if affected, reduce watering frequency
Uses
Floral garnish and edible flowers
CulinaryThe delicate flowers can be used as an ornamental and edible garnish for desserts and cocktails, adding visual appeal to culinary presentations. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, Justicia species have been used to treat inflammation and digestive issues, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Indoor air purification and decoration
HouseholdAs an ornamental houseplant, Justicia adds tropical beauty to indoor spaces and may contribute to air quality while thriving as a decorative focal point. [source]
Hummingbird and butterfly attractor
WildlifeThe nectar-rich flowers strongly attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes. [source]
Floral arrangements and dried flowers
CraftThe colorful bracts retain their vibrant hues well and can be cut for fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding unique texture to bouquets. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Justicia is an ornamental plant, not typically harvested. Flowers can be enjoyed indoors when cut; they last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Pinch or prune stems regularly (especially in spring) to encourage bushier growth and more flower production. Remove dead flowers to extend blooming period.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Shrimp Plant' derives from the flower spikes' remarkable resemblance to cooked shrimp, with the overlapping bracts resembling the shrimp's curved body.
- 🌱 Justicia flowers bloom almost year-round in ideal conditions, with some plants producing flowers for 9-12 months per year when given sufficient light and warmth.
- 🌱 The plant is native to Mexico and is sometimes called 'Beloperone' after its former scientific classification; it remains a traditional cottage plant in tropical and subtropical regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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