Crossandra Plant Care

Crossandra is a tropical plant producing flower spikes in red, yellow, orange, gold and lilac. It’s often referred to as the firecracker flower due to its vibrant bloom colors.

About

Crossandra is a member of the Acanthus family. It’s native to Madasgascar, Africa and the East Indies. Crossandra ranges from 12 inches to 3 feet. The plant is grown both indoors and outdoors.

Considerations

Crossandra thrives in warm weather, but requires a minimum winter outdoor temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers partial to full sun, and can be grown indoors or outdoors.

Plant the crossandra in well-drained soil. Provide enough water to moisten the soil throughout. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering.

Benefits

Crossandra plants have an extended bloom season from spring through fall. Flowers are often used as necklaces or as hair decorations.

Prevention/Solution

Prune spent blooms away from the crossandra to promote continuous blooms. Prune decaying or dead stems away from the plant as well. Proper pruning helps the crossandra thrive during its long flowering season.

Crossandra Plant Care

Grow firecracker flower in a pot filled with moist potting soil that's rich in organic matter and holds moisture well. Set the plant in an indoor area that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. Water firecracker flower when the soil surface in the pot feels dry. The soil should otherwise remain moist, but not waterlogged, at all times. Dilute a soluble tropical houseplant fertilizer in water according to the directions on the fertilizer package. Fertilize the plant with the solution once a month from spring to fall, when the plant is actively growing. Snip off the flower stalks at their base after the blossoms wilt and die.