The Firecracker Flower ( Crossandra infundibuliformis ) is a perennial plant native to India and Sri Lanka that can flower abundantly all year in warm, tropical climates. The species gets its common name from the seed pods that can explode when ripe in the right conditions.
This species prefers tropical climates but will grow and flower happily in temperate climates too. The Firecracker flower is often grown as an indoor houseplant and will tolerate both full sun and full shade, however thrives best with a mixture of the two. In temperate climates it will need some protection from the winter cold.
Growth
Crossandra infundibuliformis can grow up to 1 metre tall and 60 cm’s wide. It has ovate, dark green leaves that are glossy and flowers that can range in colour from yellow-orange to orange-coral-pink. The flowers are asymmetrical, with the petals being off to one side and almost fan like. The flower stalk looks almost like a large head of wheat as it develops, until of course the pretty flower start popping out.
The Firecracker Flower can tolerate high humidity and hot temperatures but is not drought tolerant and will let you know when it is thirsty with drooping leaves. The leaves usually spring back to life quite quickly, as long as the plant hasn’t been left dry for too long.
Pinching away growth to encourage bushiness, especially if growing in a shadier spot as they can become a little leggy. The seeds are harvested from an orange-coral coloured plant.
FAMILY:
Acanthaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical. Possibly could be grown as an annual or indoors in cold climates?
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 38°C / 41 to 100°F – keep protected at temperatures below 10°C
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, rich and well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metres (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60 cm’s (2 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, shrub, perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by insects, bisexual flowers.
MATURITY:
6-12 months
GERMINATION RATES:
72%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 130
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CROSSANDRA INFUNDIBULIFORMIS (Firecracker Flower)
Crossandra infundibuliformis flowers attract both butterflies and dragonflies.
The seed pods of this species once ripe; can explode with high humidity or moisture. The explosion forces the seeds out of the pod and onto the ground up to 3 metres away; in a clever attempt to reproduce!
The Firecracker Flower has been used in traditional Indian medicine for generations and is used to treat headaches, fevers and for wound care.
