Firecracker plants, commonly known as Russelia equisetiformis, are a perennial plant that originates from Mexico.
Firecracker Plants have several titles that people use to describe it due to its characteristics. Some people know it as the coral fountain, hummingbird plant, coral plant, while others call it a fountain plant. This plant resembles the weeping willow, and this is why it is said to be one of the weeping subshrubs. Like the weeping willows, it has very long stems and leaves that look like scales.
Firecracker plants grow to a height of about 3-5 ft. They produce narrow flowers that have a tubular shape and are very long.
The plant does not have any season for producing flowers, and therefore, it can flower during any season if there is adequate light and warmth.
Firecracker plants do well in warm temperatures like Florida. They come in various colors, including orange, white, pink, red, and yellow.
The following are several planting and caring tips for Firecracker Plants.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Firecracker Plants produce beautiful flowers when there is adequate warmth and light. They require sun to thrive and blossom, though they can tolerate partial shade. The most favorable growth temperatures for Firecracker Plants are between 18 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius. In case you decide to plant this plant in your home when the temperatures are down, you have to ensure that you bring the plant indoors where the temperatures are favorable compared to outdoors.
Water is an essential component in the growth of any plant. Therefore, when you plant the Firecracker Plants, you have to ensure that you water it adequately to establish as required. Although the Firecracker Plants are drought-resistant, they need water throughout their growing period.
Every plant has a type of soil that it does well in. The Firecracker Plants do well in almost any type of soil. It tolerates loamy, sandy, and even clay soils. It also thrives in places where the pH of the soil ranges from alkaline to acidic.
The plants are supposed to be fertilized after two weeks. The best fertilizer to use is the liquid fertilizer that has half strength and is diluted.
In case you want to propagate your plants, you can only cut the stem tips during spring. The tips that you choose should be healthy and have an end with two or more leaves.
During summer and spring, ensure that you prune regularly. Pruning helps you maintain and attain the desired shape and remove any dead parts of the plant. After the plant stems are done flowering, you have to prune them back so that they can flower again.