Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Reduce watering slightly during winter months to prevent root rot, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Also known as Cardinal's Guard · Red Pachystachys · Scarlet Pachystachys
Cardinal's-Guard (Pachystachys coccinea) is a striking tropical shrub known for its brilliant red floral bracts, resembling a cardinal's headdress, making it a vibrant or
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Avoid direct scorching sun
Keep consistently moist
75% intensity
Avoid waterlogged conditions
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Ideal range 18-24°C, avoid drafts below 13°C
Regular feeding during growing season
50% intensity
Balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Reduce watering slightly during winter months to prevent root rot, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a neat shape and encourage bushier growth.
Pinch back the tips of new shoots to promote a fuller plant.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Select healthy, non-flowering stems, cut them to about 10-15 cm long, and remove lower leaves.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert into moist potting mix.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in spring. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, and ensure good drainage in the new pot.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cardinal's-Guard (Pachystachys coccinea)
Where Cardinal's-Guard (Pachystachys coccinea) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Pachystachys |
| Species | Pachystachys coccinea |
Similar in genus Pachystachys
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data