Water
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage in the pot.
Also known as Bell Fire-Bush · Fire Bells · West Indian Fire-Bush
Antillean firebush (Hamelia cuprea) is a vibrant, evergreen shrub featuring tubular, scarlet-orange flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Blooms best in ample sunlight.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage in the pot.
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems. Pinch back young plants to promote branching. Hard pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Deadheading spent flowers also improves appearance.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or softwood cuttings in spring. Insert cuttings into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Rooting is typically achieved within 4-6 weeks.
Keep cuttings in a warm, humid environment until established.
Repot young plants annually in spring, and mature plants every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Repotting revitalizes the plant and provides fresh nutrients.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Antillean Firebush (Hamelia cuprea)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Hamelia |
| Species | Hamelia cuprea |
Similar in genus Hamelia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
