PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; thrives in bright, direct sunlight for optimal blooming
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; tolerate short periods of drought
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures; avoid frost, maintain minimum 10°C in winter to prevent dieback
Characteristics
- Leaf: Lanceolate, opposite, glossy green leaves up to 15 cm long.
- Flower: Clusters of orange-red star-shaped blooms with yellow hoods.
- Stem: Erect, hairy stems exude milky sap when broken.
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; water 1-2 times weekly
Fertilization
Diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water, dilute 1:20 for root drench to support blooming and healthy foliagePruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Cut back stems to 15 cm in late winter to stimulate new, bushy growth in spring
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and improve airflow
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function
Humans: Milky sap may cause mild skin irritation; ingestion leads to oral pain and gastrointestinal upset
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Valued as a critical host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars
Usage: Pollinator garden plant; cut flower for floral arrangements
