Plant Care Guide

Firecracker Plant
(Coral Fountain)

Russelia equisetiformis

The Firecracker Plant, also called the Coral Fountain, is a fast-growing subshrub known for its cascading, willow-like stems and bright tubular blooms. Native to Mexico, this vibrant plant adds drama to containers, rock gardens, and butterfly gardens alike. With the right light, warmth, and care, it flowers heavily from late spring through fall and sometimes year-round in warm climates.

Watering Requirements

Watering plays a critical role in firecracker plant care, especially while it is young and establishing roots. Consistent moisture keeps flowers coming, but once mature, this plant can handle dry spells without collapsing. The key is balancing steady hydration with good drainage to prevent soggy soil.

Watering Schedule

  • Establishing/Hot Weather: Water weekly or more often if soil dries quickly.
  • Mature Plants: Tolerates drought, but flowers best with regular watering.
  • Winter: Water sparingly indoors, just enough to keep the soil from completely drying.

Signs of Overwatering

  • Yellowing, limp stems
  • Mushy roots or soil that smells sour

Signs of Underwatering

  • Wilting or shriveled stems
  • Fewer blooms, crispy leaf edges

Pro Tips

Water deeply and evenly, then let the top inch of soil dry before watering again—this encourages stronger roots and better flowering.

Light Requirements

Light is the engine behind firecracker plant blooms. The more sun it gets, the more it flowers, and insufficient light almost always leads to fewer blooms and leggy stems. While it tolerates partial shade, only full sun delivers the dramatic, fountain-like floral show this plant is famous for.

Ideal Placement

  • Outdoors: Full sun for 6–8 hours daily.
  • Indoors: Bright south- or west-facing window; supplement with grow lights if needed.

Too Much Light

  • Leaves may scorch in extremely hot, dry climates without added water.

Too Little Light

  • Sparse flowers
  • Long, weak stems with thin foliage

Pro Tips

If growing indoors, rotate the pot weekly for even growth and move it outdoors during summer for a huge boost in flowering.

Soil & Potting

The firecracker plant thrives in soil that drains quickly while holding light, even moisture. Heavy, soggy soil stunts its growth and increases the risk of rot, while sandy or rocky soil keeps the roots healthy and oxygenated. Whether in the ground or a pot, the right mix keeps the plant vigorous and blooming.

Best Soil Mix

  • 2 parts sandy or loamy potting mix
  • 1 part perlite or coarse sand for aeration
  • Optional: A scoop of compost for light fertility

Container Growing

  • Use pots with large drainage holes
  • Repot every 1–2 years, moving up one size only
  • Works beautifully in large hanging baskets or cascading from urns

Pro Tips

If planting in a garden bed, slightly mound the soil or mix in grit to guarantee quick drainage and prevent root problems.

Fertilizing

Regular feeding fuels the firecracker plant’s non-stop blooms. This is a hungry grower that puts out flowers for months on end, so a steady diet of nutrients keeps its energy high. Neglecting fertilizer often leads to green, leafy growth but fewer flowers.

Fertilizer Schedule

  • Spring through Fall: Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
  • Winter (indoors): Pause feeding while growth slows.

Deficiency Clues

  • Weak flowering = needs phosphorus
  • Pale leaves = low nitrogen

Pro Tips

Alternate between a balanced fertilizer and a bloom-booster (high in phosphorus) to extend the flowering season.

Pruning & Maintenance

Without pruning, firecracker plants sprawl quickly and lose their compact shape. Trimming not only keeps them tidy but also stimulates new growth, which means more flowers. A yearly cutback paired with light grooming through the season ensures a healthy, vibrant display.

Pruning Guidelines

  • Cut back hard in late winter/early spring before growth resumes
  • Lightly trim spent stems during the flowering season to encourage rebloom
  • Remove any dead, weak, or tangled stems

Maintenance Notes

  • Works well trained over fences, rocks, or trellises
  • Minimal pest issues, though watch for mealybugs and spider mites indoors

Pro Tips

After blooms fade, pinch or trim the stems by one-third—this encourages bushier growth and a fresh flush of flowers.

Common Problems & Solutions

Few or No Blooms

  • Cause: Not enough sunlight
  • Fix: Move to full sun or supplement with grow lights

Yellow, Soft Stems

  • Cause: Overwatering or soggy soil
  • Fix: Improve drainage, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings

Sparse, Stringy Growth

  • Cause: Lack of pruning or poor light
  • Fix: Cut back hard in spring, provide stronger sun

Pests

  • Occasionally: Spider mites, mealybugs indoors
  • Fix: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase airflow

Toxicity Warning

Though not highly toxic, firecracker plants can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Keep away from pets and children.

Pro Tips

Remember: consistent pruning, feeding, and full sun are the three keys to a long season of firecracker blooms.