Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)

Firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis) is a vigorous, trailing shrub with bright red, tubular flowers that resemble firecrackers, blooming year-round in warm climate

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Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Watering

Moderate

Soil

Well-draining soil

Temperature

Warm

Fertilizer

Moderate

Care Requirements

Light requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers bright, indirect light; direct sun may scorch leaves.

Watering needs

Moderate

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Well-draining soil

Temperature needs

Warm

Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C; avoid frost.

Fertilizer needs

Moderate

Feed during the growing season with diluted liquid fertilizer.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Garden, Pot

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

0.6 - 1.2 m

Spread

0.9 - 1.5 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Scale-like

Flower Size

1-2 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

75000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jun

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Russelia juncea Zucc.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderLamiales
familyPlantaginaceae
genusRusselia
speciesRusselia equisetiformis

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Non-toxic

Additional Care Tips

Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter, providing just enough to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in pots.

Prune after flowering to maintain a desirable shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems. For plants grown as hedges or to promote more flowers, tip back new growth. Heavy pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins.

Propagate by stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Select healthy stems, cut pieces about 10-15 cm long, and remove lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Rooting typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.

Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot one size larger than the current one with adequate drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. Fresh soil encourages healthy growth.

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Firecracker plant?

Firecracker plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It prefers warm climates and can tolerate some drought once established.

How often should I water my Firecracker plant?

Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months.

When is the best time to prune Firecracker plant?

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage more blooms. You can also prune in early spring to remove any winter damage and stimulate new growth.

Does Firecracker plant attract any beneficial wildlife?

Yes, the bright red, tubular flowers of the Firecracker plant are highly attractive to hummingbirds, making it a great addition to gardens designed to attract them.

Can Firecracker plant be grown indoors?

Yes, Firecracker plant can be grown indoors as a houseplant in bright, indirect light. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

Care Requirements

Light requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers bright, indirect light; direct sun may scorch leaves.

Watering needs

Moderate

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Well-draining soil

Temperature needs

Warm

Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C; avoid frost.

Fertilizer needs

Moderate

Feed during the growing season with diluted liquid fertilizer.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Firecracker plant?

Firecracker plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It prefers warm climates and can tolerate some drought once established.

How often should I water my Firecracker plant?

Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months.

When is the best time to prune Firecracker plant?

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage more blooms. You can also prune in early spring to remove any winter damage and stimulate new growth.

Does Firecracker plant attract any beneficial wildlife?

Yes, the bright red, tubular flowers of the Firecracker plant are highly attractive to hummingbirds, making it a great addition to gardens designed to attract them.

Can Firecracker plant be grown indoors?

Yes, Firecracker plant can be grown indoors as a houseplant in bright, indirect light. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Firecracker plant?

How often should I water my Firecracker plant?

When is the best time to prune Firecracker plant?

Does Firecracker plant attract any beneficial wildlife?

Can Firecracker plant be grown indoors?

Loading plant details

Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Firecracker plant?

How often should I water my Firecracker plant?

When is the best time to prune Firecracker plant?

Does Firecracker plant attract any beneficial wildlife?

Can Firecracker plant be grown indoors?