Firecracker flower (Crossandra infundibuliformis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Firecracker flower on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Firecracker flower
Crossandra infundibuliformis, also known as Firecracker Flower or Crossandra, is a tropical plant from the Acanthaceae family, valued for its vibrant, funnel-shaped orange or salmon flowers that bloom profusely. Its glossy green leaves and compact growth make it ideal for adding a touch of exotic color to bright indoor spaces, shaded patios, or as a seasonal plant in cooler climates. It's an excellent choice for pots and containers, where its cheerful blooms can be admired up close.
Native range
India and Sri Lanka
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light; intense direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, watering when the top layer of the substrate begins to dry out. Use a well-draining, organically rich potting mix; a good quality all-purpose potting mix with some perlite is suitable. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can lead to bud drop, so regular misting or placing it near a humidifier is recommended.
How to save a dying Firecracker flower
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or drooping leaves, soft stems, no blooms or wilting flowers.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Move to a warm, bright spot (no direct sun). Water if soil is dry, otherwise let it dry out.
- What kills it
- Overwatering leading to root rot, or lack of humidity drying out its leaves.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's delicate but recovers if conditions are corrected.