Pachystachys lutea (puh-KISS-tuh-kiss LOO-tee-uh) is a tropical, evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Pachystachys and the Acanthaceae family, also referred to as the Acanthus family.
The genus Pachystachys came from the Greek word “pachys,” which means thick, and the other word “Stachys,” meaning spike.
Therefore, the Pachystachys means “with thick spikes,” referencing the plant’s flowering spike inflorescence.
This short-stemmed, evergreen shrub is native to Central and South American regions. It grows abundantly in lowland areas of El Salvador, Northern Brazil, Panama, and Peru.
Pachystachys lutea is prized for its showy overlapping clusters of bright golden bracts with four-sided inflorescence and heavily-veined lance-shaped leaves.
Pachystachys lutea is also well-known as its other common names, including:
- Golden shrimp plant
- Golden Candles
- Lollipop plant
- Yellow Shrimp Plant
In addition, Pachystachys lutea was a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Quick Facts On Pachystachys Lutea
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Light: Full sun; Bright Shade
- Temperature: 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate watering; Moist, well-drained soil
- Fertilizer: Liquid Fertilizer
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Common Problems: Scales, Spider mites
Pachystachys Lutea Care
How Big Does Pachystachys Lutea Grow?
Pachystachys lutea is a fast-growing plant that usually grows 5′ feet tall and 3′ feet wide in warmer areas.
At the same time, it typically reaches 12″ to 18″ inches tall when planted as an indoor or annual pot plant in cooler locations.
This evergreen shrub usually reaches its maturity from 5 to 10 years.
When Does Pachystachys Lutea Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Pachystachys lutea is a showy flowering plant that features a four-sided inflorescence that consists of overlapping bright, golden bracts, similar to the appearance of a shrimp.
These golden bracts usually reach 4″ inches long, and emerging from them are small tubular-shaped or 2-lipped white flowers.
The flowers are borne from the tip of each sturdy stem above a dark green, deeply-veined, lance-shaped leaves that grow 4″ to 6″ inches.
You may witness the Pachystachys lutea blossom in spring through the end of summer, it may bloom year-round when properly cared for in the right climate. This flowering plant also has no fragrance.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Pachystachys lutea is a tropical, evergreen shrub, meaning it thrives in hot and humid climates.
This short-stemmed evergreen prefers around 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit or average room temperatures in the summer and doesn’t tolerate a temperature below 60° degrees Fahrenheit in winter.
When exposed to freezing temperatures, the leaves of Pachystachys lutea will drop.
Pachystachys lutea thrives in full sun but keeps it in bright, light shade as long exposure to direct sunlight may injure it.
When planted indoors, it’s best to place this plant in East, West, or South-facing windows.
In addition, Pachystachys lutea prefers relatively high humidity, ranging from 40% to 50% percent, and it grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Pachystachys Lutea?
Provide regular watering to your Pachystachys lutea during its growing season in the spring until fall, and cut back on watering in the winter.
You may also mist the leaves regularly, as this plant thrives in high humidity.
For fertilizer, feed your Pachystachys lutea with liquid fertilizer or with slow-release pellets weekly during the growing season.
What Is The Best Soil For Pachystachys Lutea, And When Should You Transplant?
Pachystachys lutea thrives in fertile, moist, well-drained soil, including sand, clay, loam, and clay. It may also grow in any soil or good-quality potting mix but prefers slightly acidic soils.
As Pachystachys lutea age, they tend to become leggy, so it’s recommended to repot younger plants every spring, ensuring to plant them in one pot size up.
Does Pachystachys Lutea Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Pachystachys Lutea tends to become leggy as they age, so it’s best to prune and trim to keep the plant’s reasonable shape and size.
Deadheading dead bracts using a gardening shear will also encourage new blooms and bushiness.
In addition, pinching the Pachystachys Lutea’s growing tips will encourage branching.
How To Propagate A Lollipop Plant?
Lollipop plants may be propagated via stem cuttings.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take about 4″ inches of soft stem cuttings in early summer.
- Ensure the soft stem cutting has at least 4 sets of leaves.
- Dip the stem cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant the stem cuttings directly into the soil or fresh potting mix.
- Make sure to keep the soil moist.
- The plant’s germination usually takes about 2 months.
Golden Shrimp Plant Pests And Disease Problems
Golden shrimp plants are generally pest and disease-free but may occasionally be infested with the following:
- Aphids
- Mealy bugs
- Scales
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
Any sign of infestation may be easily treated using insecticidal soap.
Uses Of Golden Shrimp Plant
Golden shrimp plants are widely grown due to their showy, bright golden bracts or flowers, making them an excellent annual pot plant or indoor houseplant.
They can also be used as decorative flowering plants as accents on a patio and in mixed containers.
In addition, golden shrimp plants may also be used as a hedge for foundation plantings, parks, and gardens.
They will also add a burst of vivid colors to borders and in mass plantings.