🌳 Habitat and Ecology
​Pachystachys coccinea, commonly known as Cardinal's Guard, is a vigorous, evergreen shrub native to the wet tropical biomes of Northern South America and the Caribbean. Its native range encompasses French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, as well as the island of Trinidad. In its natural habitat, it thrives in the warm, humid understory of rainforests and along riverbanks, typically at elevations ranging from 50 to 1,000 metres. It is adapted to a climate of consistent moisture and warmth, never experiencing frost.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This plant is a striking evergreen perennial shrub that can reach heights of 1 to 2 metres (3-6 feet).
​Foliage: The leaves are large, elliptic to oblong-obovate, and a glossy dark green, often measuring 18-25 cm in length. They are arranged oppositely along the stems and have a prominent, textured venation.
​Flowers (Morphology): The defining feature is the terminal flower spike (9-22 cm long). Unlike its relative P. lutea, this species possesses green, leaf-like bracts that are relatively inconspicuous. From these green bracts emerge the spectacular, bright scarlet-red flowers. The corolla is long (5-7 cm), tubular, and two-lipped, often curving slightly.
​Differentiation: Pachystachys coccinea is most frequently compared to the Golden Shrimp Plant (Pachystachys lutea).
​Versus P. lutea: P. lutea features very showy, bright yellow bracts with white flowers emerging from them. In contrast, P. coccinea has green bracts and vivid red flowers.
​Versus P. spicata: While sometimes used synonymously in horticulture, P. coccinea is the accepted name for the large-flowered Cardinal's Guard.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Pachystachys coccinea is a warm-growing tropical plant that requires high humidity and consistent moisture to perform well.
​Light: Requires bright, indirect light to semi-shade. It can tolerate some morning sun but should be shielded from harsh midday rays which can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light will reduce flowering.
​Substrate: Use a rich, loamy, and well-draining potting mix high in organic matter. A mix of compost, peat, and perlite is ideal to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
​Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Water freely during the active growing season (spring and summer), ensuring the pot never dries out completely. Reduce watering slightly in winter but maintain soil moisture.
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-28 C (70-82 F).
​Minimum Winter Temperature: Not below 10-15 C (50-59 F). It is frost-tender.
​Humidity: High humidity (60-80%) is crucial for lush foliage and blooming. Frequent misting or a humidifier is recommended indoors.
​✨ Unique Features
​This shrub is a collector's favorite for its dramatic scarlet floral display that resembles a "guard" of red soldiers rising from the green foliage. Its robust size and large, tropical leaves provide an instant jungle effect. Unlike the common shrimp plant, its red blooms offer a bolder, more intense colour palette for the warm greenhouse or conservatory.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size:  Divisions from our stock plant
Plant Family: Acanthaceae
Plant Passport: A Pachystachys coccinea B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB