Shrimp Plant Plant Care

Shrimp Plant (Odontonema laxum) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Odontonema genus. Shrimp Plant is native to Ecuador.

Shrimp Plant displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Shrimp Plant produces tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Shrimp Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Shrimp Plant thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Shrimp Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Odontonema laxum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Shrimp Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Shrimp Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Shrimp Plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Shrimp Plant is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Shrimp Plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Shrimp Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Shrimp Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Shrimp Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red candles plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Shrimp Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Shrimp Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Shrimp Plant is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Shrimp Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.