Lollipop plant is also known as golden shrimp plant and charming addition of any garden. Another feature is eye-catching golden flowers to attract the insects. The lollipop plant has bright golden bracts and small white flowers with cone-shaped clusters atop sturdy stems and lush green foliage adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.
However, if you can provide the appropriate growing conditions, your plant may survive multiple years. I have shared the steps taken to grow this plant care in this article which will guide you.
Scientific classification of Lollipop plant care
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Asterids
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Genus: Pachystachys
- Species: P. lutea
Prefers of Lollipop plant care
- Light – Bright, indirect light
- Soil – Well draining
- Soil pH – 7.4-8.4
- Temperature – 65°F and 80°F
- Humidity – High humidity
- Bloom time – Summer
- Flower colour – Bright yellow
- Native area – Central and South America
- Toxicity – Human, pets
Lollipop plant care with some tips
Adequate amounts of water, light, soil, temperature and fertiliser should be obtained for the plant to grow. The problems and benefits of the plant have also been shared in this article. This article will help you with all the essentials you need to grow your plant.
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Light
Lollipop plant prefers bright, indirect light and it can tolerate filtered sunlight although the plants do not like shade. This plant receives indirect light for about 4 to 6 hours a day. Extreme light can cause by sunburn of your plant and leaves turning yellow.
Water
During the growing season, especially spring and summer, more frequent watering might be necessary. Get water when the soil is dry. Maintain consistently moist soil, avoiding excess saturation. Too much or too little water can kill your plant.
Soil
Lollipop plant prefers well draining, loamy, organic mix soil with perlite. You can also add vermi-compost to quickly grow your plant. Maintain the moist soil but excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Add organic matter such as peat moss or garden compost until the soil is loose and easy to work.
Temperature & humidity
The ideal temperature of lollipop plant is warm temperature and the plant likes between is 65-80 degree Fahrenheit. During the late fall through winter, temperatures should be cooler 45 to 50 degrees F at night.
It thrives in high humidity and keeps the plant humidity around 50%. You can use humidifier to increase the humidity level.
Fertiliser
During the growing season feed your plant water soluble fertiliser every two or three weeks. As a result, your plant’s growth will be better and a healthy plant will grow. Avoid excessive fertilization, which could result in excessive foliage growth. Dilute the fertilizer as directed by the manufacturer.
Propagation of Lollipop plant
Propagation is a method by which you can make many plants of your choice. The best time to take your plant cutting for propagation is growing season when the plant actively grow healthy. This is easy to propagate by stem cuttings between spring and summer. Choose a healthy stem with a few leaves and place it in water. When the root is established then filled with well draining soil. Maintain consistently moist soil until new growth.
Pruning of Lollipop plant
Pruning is the essential part of its care that keeps your plant healthy and encourage lush growth. Trimming your plant for new growth to produce more new branches. Make sure to trim just above a set of leaves and regular pruning will also increase the chances of the plant producing its stunning, fragrant flowers.
Every 2-3 months to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim the leggy stems to maintain the compact size. The basic procedure consists of removing the lower branches and leaves as that part which doesn’t receive enough light. The best time should take place two week before the plant starts the flowering period.
Types of Lollipop plant
- Yew : This plant is an excellent lollipop plant with needle like foliage and easy to grow.
- Photonia : It is young foliage most popular plant. Its has red young leaves and blooms in Spring.
- Olive : This plant has attractive pale green leaves with slow growing and compact size.
- Flamingo : It has flamboyant foliage with a marble mix of green, white and flamingo pink tips.
- Euonymus : This plant has popular mostly attractive and glossy leaves. It blooms in Winter.
Repotting of Lollipop plant
This process should be done when a new growth showing and during the growing season.You can re-pot the Lollipop Plant during spring each year. Keep your plant with proper care and wait a week before watering after repotting because a risk of root rot. Carefully remove the excess amount of soil from the root before placing this plant in a new container.
Common problem of Lollipop plant
- The most common problem is overwatering. It can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown and die.
- It can be affected by root rot, rust, and leaf spot. You can control these issues by providing good air circulation.
- Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites can causes strippling on the leaves.
Benefits of Lollipop plant
- Lollipop plant is also known for its air purifying properties to improve the air quality in indoor spaces.
- This plant is ornamental plant for indoor or outdoor decoration due to its attractive flowers.