Pachystachys coccinea

Cardinal's Guard, Red Shrimp Plant

Message of the Flower

Aspiration for Supramental Guidance in the Subconscient

The Mother’s Comment

Intense need of order, light, and knowledge in the subconscient penumbra.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

As there is a superconscient (something above our present consciousness) above the head from which the higher consciousness comes down into the body, so there is also a subconscient (something below our consciousness) below the feet. Matter is under the control of this power, because it is that out of which it has been created—that is why matter seems to us to be quite unconscious. The material body is very much under the influence of this power for the same reason; it is why we are not conscious of what is going on in the body, for the most part. The outer consciousness goes down into this subconscient when we are asleep, and so it becomes unaware of what is going on in us when we are asleep except for a few dreams. Many of these dreams rise up from the subconscient and are made up of old memories, impressions etc. put together in an incoherent way. For the subconscient receives impressions of all we do or experience in our lives and keeps these impressions in it, sending up often fragments of them in sleep. It is a very important part of the being, but we can do nothing much with it by the conscious will. It is the higher Force working in us that in its natural course will open the subconscient to itself and bring down into it its control and light.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - IV: The Subconscient and the Integral Yoga

The subconscient is to be penetrated by the light and made a sort of bedrock of truth, a store of right impressions, right physical responses to the Truth. Strictly speaking, it will not be subconscient at all, but a sort of bank of true values held ready for use.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - IV: The Subconscient and the Integral Yoga

Colour

Bright red flower spikes with white flowers.

Family

Acanthaceae

Cultivars

Not widely known for cultivars.

Flower Size

The individual flowers are small, but the spikes can be quite prominent.

Flower Texture

Smooth

Number of Petals

Typically, tubular flowers have fused petals.

Floral Symmetry

Bilaterally symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Little to no fragrance.

Leaf Texture

glossy and smooth

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Can bloom year-round in optimal conditions, with peaks depending on the climate.

Climate

Prefers tropical to subtropical climates.

Water Requirements

Moderate; prefers well-drained soil and regular watering.

Soil Type

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Temperature Ranges

Prefers warm temperatures; not frost-tolerant.

Sun or Shade

Prefers partial shade to full sun.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to aphids and whiteflies; may experience root rot in waterlogged soil.

Pollinators

Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Habitat

Native to the Americas, particularly tropical regions.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators.

Ornamental

Highly valued for its striking flower spikes and ornamental foliage.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily ornamental.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered.