Red hot poker (Kniphofia stricta)
Care, watering, light and tips for Red hot poker on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Red hot poker
Kniphofia stricta, commonly known as Uleaf Poker or Red Hot Poker, is a herbaceous perennial native to South Africa, prized for its striking torch-like flower spikes. It produces dense, tubular inflorescences ranging from orange-yellow to red, rising above a basal clump of narrow, upright leaves. This plant is an excellent choice for rock gardens, sunny borders, and Mediterranean-style landscapes, adding an exotic and vibrant touch.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun for optimal flowering and requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or loamy. Watering should be regular during its growing and flowering season, reducing it in winter, as it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as it can promote foliage growth at the expense of blooms. A common mistake is planting it in partial shade or heavy soils, which will lead to poor flowering and weak growth.
How to save a dying Red hot poker
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or browning leaves from base; sparse or no flowering; stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage; reduce watering if waterlogged; prune dead leaves and spent flower spikes.
- What kills it
- Overwatering in heavy soils, causing root rot. Also extreme drought.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot is not too advanced and watering/drainage are corrected promptly.