These plants are pan-tropical in origin and form very showy blooms which resemble shrimp. Water sparingly in winter. Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, heavy mulching and applications of organic matter enhance root growth and help to keep nematodes in check. Brightly colored red, yellow or orange shrimp-shaped terminal spikes of bracts almost year round. Cut back after flowering to encourage branching and new growth that will terminate in flower-bracts.
Nematodes can be a problem.
Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Betrocks FL Plant Guide , Tropical Gardening 1999 Florida Gardener. All Rights Reserved.