PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun; blooms most profusely in full sun, tolerates light shade in hot climates
Watering
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries completely; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives at 18–27°C; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent foliage damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, lanceolate to ovate, glossy dark green, 2–5 cm long
- Flower: Tubular, bi-colored (orange-yellow base, red tip), 2–3 cm long, clustered at stem tips
- Stem: Slender, branching, semi-woody at lower base
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn to allow the plant to harden off for cooler months
Banana peel tea：Chop 1 ripe banana peel, soak in 1L of water for 24 hours, strain, and use to drench soil directly to boost bloomingPruning
- Pinch back stem tips in early spring to encourage dense, bushy growth
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend the flowering period
- Trim leggy or damaged stems in late winter to maintain a compact form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden border plant, container patio plant, pollinator attractor for bees and hummingbirds
