PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun to partial shade; thrives with 6+ hours of direct daily sunlight for optimal flowering
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Tolerates warm, tropical to subtropical temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent dieback
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound leaves with 10–20 pairs of oval, bright green leaflets
- Flower: Pendulous clusters of tubular scarlet-red blooms with yellow throats
- Stem: Slender, green to brown stems with smooth bark; woody with age
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to support active growth and flowering
Fertilization
Feed with diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can reduce flower production
Composted banana peel tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water, and apply as a root drench to promote bloomingPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth for the next season
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Thin overcrowded stems to allow better light penetration to inner foliage
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to sesbanimide; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; attracts hummingbirds and pollinating bees
