Crossandra infundibuliformis

Growing in Pots, Balconies & Indoors

Crossandra infundibuliformis, the firecracker flower, is a compact tropical the grower confirms grows well indoors and in containers. Its glossy leaves and long-lasting orange flowers make it a rewarding houseplant for a warm, bright-but-shaded spot.

Quick Details

• Container Size: A small-to-medium pot; it stays compact (20-80 cm)
• Indoor Suitability: A good houseplant for warm rooms in bright, indirect light
• Best Spot: Bright shade / full shade with plenty of light – no harsh direct sun
• Soil & Drainage: Rich, moisture-retentive but free-draining mix
• Watering in Pots: Keep evenly moist – do not let it dry out – while allowing excess to drain

Indoors & On the Windowsill

• A good houseplant: The grower grows it indoors – give it warmth, bright indirect light and steady moisture, and it flowers over a long season.
• Humidity & warmth: As a tropical it dislikes cold draughts and dry air; a warm kitchen or bathroom window with good light suits it.

On a Balcony or Patio

• Warm bright shade: On a balcony keep it warm and out of direct midday sun and wind; never let the pot dry out, as it resents drought.

Choosing the Pot, Soil & Long-Term Care

• Pot & drainage: A small-to-medium pot with strong drainage holes and no standing saucer.
• Potting mix: Rich but free-draining – potting compost with some perlite for air, holding moisture without staying soggy.
• Potted plants exhaust and leach nutrients faster than those in the ground, so feed more often – a balanced feed through the growing season.
• Refresh the mix and pot on about every two years, lightly root-pruning and top-pruning to keep it vigorous.

Bloom & Flower Guide

Quick Details

• Bloom Season: Most of the year in warm conditions
• Time to First Bloom: Fast – young plants flower within their first season in warmth
• Flower Appearance: Flat, fan-shaped flowers with 3-5 overlapping lobes, in red, orange, salmon, yellow or white
• Edibility: Ornamental only – grown for its long-lasting flowers, not for eating

Detailed Blooming Overview

The firecracker flower is one of the most generous bloomers there is, carrying its flat, fan-shaped flowers almost continuously in warm conditions. Each bloom opens to one side in an overlapping hand-fan of lobes, and the colours run from bright orange and red through salmon to yellow and white. Warmth, humidity and steady moisture keep the show going; a happy plant is rarely without flowers.

Flower Characteristics

• Flat, one-sided fan-shaped flowers with 3-5 overlapping lobes.
• Colours from red and orange through salmon to yellow and white.
• Produced in short spikes over a very long season.

Bloom Care & Thinning

• Deadheading: Pinching off spent flower spikes keeps the plant tidy and flowering freely.
• Encouraging bloom: Warmth, bright indirect light, humidity and even moisture bring the best display.
• Pollination: Insect-pollinated in the tropics; not needed for the ornamental display.