The Justicia brandegeeana, or shrimp plant, is a tropical evergreen shrub admired for its distinctive, arching flower spikes. While it naturally grows as a sprawling, multi-stemmed bush, it can be trained into a more structured, decorative form known as a braided shrimp tree. This process involves plaiting several young, flexible stems together. The goal is to encourage them to eventually grow into a single, fused, woody trunk that supports a dense canopy of foliage and blooms.
Essential Preparation Before Braiding
The success of a braided trunk relies heavily on selecting the correct material and timing the manipulation to coincide with the plant’s active growth phase. The optimal time to begin is in early spring or early summer, just as the shrimp plant is emerging from dormancy. This timing ensures the stems are pliable and the plant has maximum energy for healing and fusing the manipulated tissues.
Select three to five separate stems that are young, flexible, and of similar height and caliper, as uniformity creates an even braid. Strip these stems of any lower leaves that would interfere with the plaiting process near the soil line. Gather necessary tools, including sanitized shears, small bamboo stakes for initial support, and soft, stretchable ties or garden twine. Avoid using metal wire or thin plastic zip ties, as these materials can easily constrict and girdle the stems as they expand.
Step-by-Step Braiding the Stems
Begin the braiding process by gently gathering the selected stems together and securing them loosely at the base, just above the soil line, using a soft piece of twine. This initial tie acts as an anchor point, holding the stems in close proximity before the weave begins. To start the plait, separate the three or four main stems and treat them as you would strands of hair or rope, crossing the outermost right stem over the adjacent stem and then the outermost left stem over the new center stem.
Maintain light, consistent tension throughout the process, ensuring the stems are touching but not tightly constricted or stressed at the bending points. The goal is a gentle, open weave that allows for future expansion of the trunk tissue. Secure the braid with a soft tie every four to six inches as you work your way up the stems, which prevents the weave from unraveling and maintains the structure. Position these ties loosely enough to insert a finger between the tie and the stem, providing ample room for the cambium layer to swell during growth.
Continue the braid upward until you reach the desired height for the trunk, which is usually where the lowest branches of the future canopy will emerge. At this point, temporarily secure the top of the braid with one final, loose tie to hold the structure. Leave the stems above this point to grow naturally outward, which will form the signature bushy canopy of the tree-like shape.
Long-Term Care for Structural Integrity
After the initial braiding is complete, continuous monitoring and maintenance are necessary to ensure the stems fuse correctly and the tree form is preserved. The most important task is regularly checking all securing ties to prevent girdling, which restricts the flow of water and nutrients. Ties must be loosened or replaced with larger ones every few months, especially during periods of rapid growth, until the stems have visibly begun to merge.
Allowing the stems to fuse can take several months to over a year, depending on the plant’s vigor and environment, eventually creating a singular, thickened trunk. Once the trunk is structurally sound and holds its shape, the temporary ties can be removed entirely. To promote a classic tree silhouette, focus pruning efforts on the growth above the braid, known as the head or canopy.
Consistent light pruning of the canopy encourages dense, full growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy or top-heavy. Ensure the trained plant receives adequate light, ideally bright, indirect sun or morning sun, to encourage compact growth and vibrant bract color. Consistent moisture and a monthly feeding with a balanced, liquid fertilizer during the active growing season will support the structure’s energy demands.