The Plant: The Pachystachys spp. are evergreen shrubby plants, with deep green-bronze down turned leaves. The common name of Golden Shrimp plant is perhaps not a good choice, for it has different flower shape and is golden yellow - rather than the pink of the 'normal' shrimp plant.
The flowers do not droop as with the Shrimp plant, but stand erect over the top of the foliage - more like beacons. The flower is comprised of golden yellow bracts up to 10 cm long, shaped rather like slim fir cones. Slender white flowers protrude from the bracts.
Pachystachys natural habitat is generally rainforest woodland in tropical climates - typically South America. Outside its natural habitat it is happiest growing in full light or dappled sunshine.
It is naturall erect in habit, with good specimens reaching 1m in height. The spread will be half that.
Increased humidity in the growing season especially, with a winter minimum temperature of 13C. Outdoors, the humidity can be increased with regular spraying in summer months. Indoors it is not easy to maintain such humidity unless grown under glass. Standing in a tray of wet pebbles or porous 'humidity' rocks help. Misting with an atomizing spray will not make for a regular high humidity.
Feed regularly throughout the growing season, but reduce watering to a minimum in winter and cease watering unless in growing state/conditions. Most liquid feeds will be suitable, but not high Nitrogen. Tomato feeds are as good as any. Only feed when the plant has been suitable watered and NOT when the compost it dry. If the compost is dried out, then water and feed the following day.
After flowering remove flower bracts. Re-pot every spring in rich organic potting mix. Once flowering has stopped. or in the early spring.
Trim back long growth for a tidy, compact plant. The plant - or shrub if grown outdoors - will soon recover and send out new shoots which will provide good flowering shoots later in the season.
Pachystachys lutea, commonly known as the Golden Shrimp or Lollipop Plant, is a tropical plant native to Peru. Pruning is crucial for maintaining its health and encouraging lush growth. Here's how to do it correctly.
The best time to prune your Golden Shrimp Plant is in the early spring before the new growth starts. This allows the plant to focus its energy on producing fresh, healthy foliage and flowers. However, light pruning can be done at any time of the year if necessary, for example, to remove dead or damaged stems.
For tools, a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors will suffice for most pruning tasks. For larger stems, a pruning saw may be necessary.
After pruning, care for your Golden Shrimp Plant as usual. Keep it well-watered but not waterlogged, and feed it with a balanced fertilizer to support new growth. Monitor the plant closely for any signs of stress or disease, especially at the pruning sites.
Remember, pruning is not just about maintaining aesthetics; it's also an important part of plant health care. With these tips, you'll be able to keep your Golden Shrimp Plant in top shape.
The golden bracts and white flowers make this a feature plant for a full season, the foliage tends to look tired so remove plant to an inconspicuous corner when flowering over. It is a superb container shrub on the patio during the warmer weather, but not to be left outdoors for winter.
A fine display on the Golden Shrimp Plant - Lollipop Plant
Either indoors or under glass, the shrimp plant attracts the normal range of troublesome pests - notably whitefly and red spider mite. Weekly inspection under the leaves will be a good idea.
Pachystachys Lutea, also known as the Golden Shrimp Plant, is a tropical plant that brings a vibrant touch to any indoor or outdoor garden. However, like all plants, it can encounter several issues.
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from plants, causing leaves to curl and yellow.
Prevention and Control: Regularly inspect your plant for aphids. If found, you can wash them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause stippling on leaves and leave behind web-like structures.
Prevention and Control: Increase humidity around your plant, as spider mites thrive in dry conditions. If an infestation occurs, use a miticide or insecticidal soap.
This is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to a foul smell and wilting plant.
Prevention and Control: Ensure your plant has well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If root rot has set in, you may need to remove the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Leaf spot diseases can cause dark spots on the leaves of your Golden Shrimp Plant.
Prevention and Control: Remove affected leaves and avoid splashing water on the foliage when watering. A fungicide can also be used if necessary.
If the tips of your Golden Shrimp Plant are turning brown, it could be due to low humidity or underwatering.
Prevention and Control: Increase humidity levels by misting the plant or placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Make sure the plant is receiving enough water, but don't let it sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.
If the bright yellow color of your Golden Shrimp Plant's flowers is fading, it might not be getting enough light.
Prevention and Control: Move the plant to a brighter location, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
By understanding these potential issues and their solutions, you can ensure your Pachystachys Lutea - Golden Shrimp Plant thrives in its environment.
Softwood cuttings taken in the summer months do well, but will need a heated propagator where good humidity can be maintained. Otherwise cuttings can be rooted indoors via a pot of compost and airtight covering with a clear plastic bag. Do not place the rooting cuttings in direct sunshine.
Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to rot. In 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should develop roots. You can check by gently tugging on a cutting; if it resists, it has likely rooted.
By following these steps, you can successfully propagate your own Pachystachys Lutea - Golden Shrimp Plants and enjoy these exotic beauties even more!
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