Golden Shrimp Plant
Pachystachys lutea
Golden Shrimp Plant is a tropical evergreen shrub with upright stacks of golden-yellow bracts that look like shrimp scales, plus narrow white tubular flowers. Dark green lance-shaped leaves fill out the planter behind the blooms. Bright filtered light and steady moisture keep flowering going.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
Pachystachys lutea is generally considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Care Notes
Light
Give at least 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Leggy growth usually means the plant wants a brighter spot.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist without waterlogging. Water when the top inch feels dry, and use a planter with drainage holes. Let the mix dry a bit more between waterings in winter.
Soil
A rich, well-draining peat-based mix supports fast growth. Empty the saucer after watering.
Humidity & Temperature
Aim for 50% humidity or higher with a humidifier, pebble tray, or misting. Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-27°C), away from cold drafts and heating vents. Hard prune in early spring for a bushier, bloomier plant, and remove spent bracts as they brown.
Common Issues
Leaf drop often follows low humidity or sudden temperature swings. Sparse flowers usually mean more light or a spring prune is needed.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer or high-phosphorus bloom booster
Soil
Rich, well-draining peat-based potting mix
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
24-36 inches tall indoors
Growth Rate
Fast
Propagation
Stem cuttings taken in spring or summer
Common Varieties
Standard species (Pachystachys lutea)
Deep green lance-shaped leaves with a quilted look from recessed veins.
Cardinal's Guard (often confused but related)
Large glossy dark green leaves with a quilted texture, wavy margins, and an ovate-lanceolate shape.