Firecracker Flower
(Crossandra infundibuliformis)

Firecracker flower produces salmon to orange-red tubular flowers atop glossy, dark-green foliage.  Often beginning to bloom when only a few inches tall, this plant rarely grows more than one foot tall.

Light
Place in high light (southern exposure) in winter and medium (bright indirect) light the rest of the year.  Needs bright light to flower well.  Summer outdoors in partial shade.  Grows well if under artificial light 14 hours a day.

Water
Keep soil evenly moist, but never soggy, using tepid water.  Mist as frequently as possible; use tepid water to avoid spotting leaves.  Likes high humidity.  If dry, leaves may curl.

Temperature
Maintain average temperatures.  Avoid all drafts.

Comments
Pot up each February if root-bound.  Feed weekly with dilute solution during active growth.  Prune to desired shape in spring.  Propagate by seed (a tough task) or tip cuttings taken in spring when pruning plant.