Coral plant (Russelia polyedra)
Care, watering, light and tips for Coral plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Coral plant
Russelia equisetiformis, commonly known as Coral Plant or Firecracker Plant, is a graceful, weeping perennial shrub, characterized by its slender, horsetail-like stems and abundant tubular coral-red flowers. It is ideal for hanging baskets, borders, or as ground cover on slopes, adding an exotic and vibrant touch to any garden or balcony.
Native range
Mexico
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for optimal flowering, although it tolerates partial shade. It requires regular watering, especially in warm climates, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged. It adapts to a wide variety of well-ddrained soils, but prefers slightly acidic ones. A common mistake is the lack of pruning, which can lead to less abundant flowering and a messy growth habit.
How to save a dying Coral plant
- Warning signs
- Dry, brittle stems, lack of flowers, yellowing or dropping leaves.
- First aid
- Prune dry stems, check watering (underwatering common), move to more sun.
- What kills it
- Excessive shade and lack of water. Needs full sun and regular watering.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's tough. With proper sun and water, it recovers well.