PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect to partial direct sunlight; tolerates light shade but produces more blooms with 2–3 hours of morning direct sun
Watering
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; protect from frost and temperatures below 12°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Glossy, ovate to elliptical leaves with serrated margins, dark green upper surface
- Flower: Tubular, bright red blooms with contrasting white or pale yellow inner throats, clustered at stem tips
- Stem: Slender, woody stems with sparse fine hairs when young
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist; mist foliage occasionally to boost ambient humidity
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization during winter dormancy to prevent nutrient buildup
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid applying undiluted compost to prevent root burnPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Trim leggy stems in early spring to maintain a compact, bushy shape
- Remove damaged, yellowing, or diseased leaves to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental flowering shrub for indoor decor, patio containers, or tropical garden borders
