Tropicals
Justicia brandegeeana
Mexican shrimp plant
Also known as: Mexican shrimp plant · Beloperone guttata
Arching flower spikes carry overlapping pinkish bracts that resemble little shrimp, with small white flowers tucked between them. This evergreen tropical shrub makes a colorful pot for a sheltered patio or bright indoor space. Pinching helps maintain a fuller, compact plant.
At a glance
- Mature size
- Height: About 1½–3 ft.
- Water
- Moist, well drained
- Bloom
- White tubular flowers with lasting overlapping bracts.
- Light
- Bright filtered light or partial shade
Sizes & prices
- #1$19.99
- 4.5″$11.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Pet safety
- Pet note
- Oxalate compounds are suspected, although this veterinary source found no reported animal poisoning cases. Keep pets from eating it.
If a pet eats a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Growing & care
- Soil
- Well-drained potting mix.
- Pruning
- Pinch shoot tips to encourage compact growth; refresh overly leggy plants.
- Winter
- Keep in a sheltered, frost-free indoor space.
- Pests
- Watch for mites and whiteflies.
Sources & photo credits
University of Zurich veterinary toxicology database
Photo: Sergio Torres C. · CC0 1.0
Reviewed September 26, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.