The Justicia brandegeeana, commonly known as the ear flower or shrimp plant, is an ornamental plant. Its unique, overlapping, and colorful bracts resemble either a shrimp or an ear, giving rise to its informal names. This plant is popular due to its appearance and long blooming period.
Understanding the Ear Flower (Shrimp Plant)
The ear flower, Justicia brandegeeana, is a tropical evergreen shrub. It grows as a bushy, upright plant, reaching up to 3 feet tall. Its main feature is the series of overlapping bracts that form an arching, spike-like inflorescence. These modified leaves display pink, red, or yellow shades, giving the plant its “shrimp-like” or “ear-like” appearance. Small, white, tubular flowers emerge from between these bracts, but the bracts provide the primary visual appeal and last for an extended period.
Native to Mexico and Central America, the ear flower thrives in warm, humid environments. Its green, oval leaves provide a backdrop for the inflorescences. This combination of form, color, and extended blooming makes it a choice for adding a tropical flair to garden beds and indoor containers.
Essential Care for Ear Flowers
Light Requirements
Ear flowers need bright, indirect light. Indoors, place the plant near an east or west-facing window for filtered sunlight. Outdoors, especially in hot regions, partial shade protects its bracts from bleaching and scorching. Insufficient light reduces foliage and blooms.
Soil and Potting
Ear flowers grow best in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred for nutrient uptake. Choose a container with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The pot size should be proportionate to the plant’s current size.
Watering Needs
Maintain consistent soil moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Water thoroughly until excess water drains from the pot bottom. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, while wilting or browning leaf tips suggest insufficient moisture. Adjust watering frequency based on temperature and humidity.
Temperature and Humidity
Ear flowers thrive in warm, tropical conditions, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C-24°C). They are sensitive to cold and need protection from temperatures below 50°F (10°C). High humidity is beneficial, mimicking its native habitat. Indoors, increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (not sitting directly in water) or by grouping plants.
Fertilization
During the active growing season (spring through fall), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer to the ear flower. Fertilize every two to four weeks for healthy growth and abundant blooming. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause nutrient burn. Reduce or cease fertilization during winter dormancy.
Pruning and Maintaining Ear Flowers
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading spent flower spikes redirects energy into new growth and additional inflorescences. Pinching back young stem tips encourages branching, leading to a denser plant. More extensive pruning can control size or rejuvenate older, leggy specimens, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth.
Propagating Ear Flowers
Propagate ear flowers using stem cuttings. Select healthy, non-flowering stems 4 to 6 inches long. Remove leaves from the lower half, exposing at least two leaf nodes. Insert cuttings into a rooting medium (e.g., perlite and peat moss mix) or water. Provide warmth and consistent humidity (e.g., under a plastic cover) to encourage root development, which occurs within a few weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Ear Flower Problems
Ear flowers can have issues from environmental factors or pests. Pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies may infest the plant, causing stunted growth or damaged foliage. Manage these with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applications, ensuring thorough coverage.
Improper care can cause physiological problems. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering (leading to root rot) or underwatering (causing drought stress). A lack of blooms often points to insufficient light or incorrect pruning. Browning leaf tips suggest low humidity. Addressing these conditions or adjusting care helps the plant recover.