Russelia equisetiformis aka Firecracker Plant

Taxonomy

Russelia equisetiformis, also known as the fountainbush, firecracker plant, coral plant, coral fountain, coralblow, or fountain plant, is a tender and branching subshrub native to Mexico and Guatemala. With its long, arching green stems and scale-like leaves that fall early, this weeping subshrub produces clusters of tubular, pendent yellow flowers from spring to autumn. Reaching a size of four feet by five feet at maturity, Russelia equisetiformis, or the Coral plant, is a deciduous tropical shrub. It boasts profuse flowering with small decumbent or trailing red flowers, making it a favorite nectar plant for hummingbirds and butterflies. Additionally, this plant exhibits moderate salt tolerance. The Latin specific epithet of equisetiformis signifies its resemblance to the Equisetum, also known as the horse tail rush, despite being distantly related.

Common names

Firecracker Plant, Coralplant, Fountainplant

How to care for Firecracker Plant

Difficulty

Firecracker Plant is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Firecracker Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Firecracker Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Firecracker Plant requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Firecracker Plant will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia