Firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Firecracker plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Firecracker plant
Russelia equisetiformis, also known as Firecracker Plant or Coral Plant, is a perennial shrub with slender, arching stems resembling horsetail, producing an abundance of small, bright red tubular flowers. It is ideal for hanging baskets, borders, or as a groundcover, bringing an exotic and vibrant touch to any garden or balcony. Its cascade of flowers attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a lively focal point.
Native range
Mexico and Central America
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering, although it tolerates partial shade where it will flower less. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during warm months; it is quite drought-tolerant once established. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. A common mistake is a lack of pruning, which can lead to unruly growth and less flowering; prune it lightly after the main flowering period to maintain its shape and vigor.
How to save a dying Firecracker plant
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown leaves, general wilting, poor or no flowering.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Prune dry branches. Move to partial shade if in direct sun.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging, which rots its roots. Also extreme and prolonged drought.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and action is taken quickly.