PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; requires 6–8 hours of direct daily sun to produce vibrant blooms and maintain compact growth
Watering
Water deeply only when the entire soil volume is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Tolerates mild frost down to 5°C; thrives in daytime temperatures between 18–28°C with cool nighttime temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Thick, fleshy, triangular green leaves with soft marginal teeth; arranged in tight rosettes
- Flower: Tubular orange-red blooms in dense, upright racemes atop 0.6–0.9 m tall stalks
- Stem: Short, compact stem obscured by overlapping leaf bases
Care Guide
Watering
Water when top 5 cm of soil is dry; reduce frequency during rainy periods
Fertilization
Diluted succulent fertilizer once every 6 weeks. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent soft, leggy leaf growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface to supplement calcium without overfeedingPruning
- Remove dried flower stalks at the base after blooming to redirect energy to new growth
- Trim dead or damaged leaves at their base to maintain a tidy rosette shape
- Thin overcrowded offsets in early spring to improve airflow and reduce competition for resources
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to saponins; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy
Humans: Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Fiery winter blooms symbolize warmth and resilience in cool-season gardens
Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, container displays, or xeriscaping projects
