Firecracker Fern Planting Instructions
Firecracker ferns (Russelia equisetiformis) are evergreen flowering plants that are native to Mexico. Also known as coral plant, it grows up to 2 1/2 feet tall and 1 1/2 feet wide. Because of its size--and its cascading growth pattern--firecracker ferns grow best as single plants, or as small shrubs. The plant grows well in hanging baskets, with its foliage spilling over the container. Firecracker shrub blooms from spring to fall outdoors, and blooms year-round indoors. Firecrackers are resilient plants, but do require some specific care.
Plant the firecracker plant in rich, well-drained potting soil. If you don't have access to potting soil that provides adequate drainage, make your own by mixing garden soil and garden sand or peat at a 1-to-1 ratio. If you want to plant the firecracker in a flower pot, use a pot that has at least one drainage hole in the bottom.
- Firecracker ferns (Russelia equisetiformis) are evergreen flowering plants that are native to Mexico.
- Firecrackers are resilient plants, but do require some specific care.
Place the plant in an area of your yard that receives sunlight from the south, east, or west. The plant tolerates full sun in cooler climates. In the south, give the firecracker filtered sun, such as beneath a tree with a sparse canopy.
Water the firecracker frequently. Firecracker prefers its soil to be moist--but not wet--at all times. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Once the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water the firecracker again.
- Place the plant in an area of your yard that receives sunlight from the south, east, or west.
Fertilize the firecracker fern every two weeks, during spring. During the summer, fertilize weekly. Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer to feed it. Do not fertilize firecracker during fall or winter, as the plant is dormant during these seasons, and fertilizer will burn its roots.
Reduce waterings to once every 10 to 14 days during the winter. Also, prune the plant down to 9 inches tall during the winter, to encourage new growth in the spring.
Tip
Firecracker fern, is a warm-weather plant and can only over-winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness zones 9 through 12.
Warning
Move indoors when weather is cool.
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References
Tips
- Firecracker fern, is a warm-weather plant and can only over-winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness zones 9 through 12.
Warnings
- Move indoors when weather is cool.
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Balarini is a freelance writer and professional blogger who began writing professionally in 2006. Her work has been published on several websites. Her articles focus on where her passions lie: writing, web development, blogging, home and garden, and health and wellness. Balarini majored in English at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
