Also known as Adonis Abbot · Bald Bush · Bald Head
Christmas Candlestick (Leonotis nepetifolia) is a striking tropical plant known for its whorls of fuzzy, orange-red, tubular flowers resembling candles. It thrives in war
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures between 18-24°C. Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half during the growing season (spring/summer).
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
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, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, while severe underwatering can cause wilting and leaf drop.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain an attractive shape and encourage bushier growth.
Pinching back the tips of young plants will also promote a more compact and branched habit.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix.
Keep the cuttings consistently moist and in a warm location with bright, indirect light until they root, which usually takes 3-4 weeks.
Repot young plants annually in spring, and mature plants every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Christmas Candlestick (Leonotis nepetifolia)
Where Christmas Candlestick (Leonotis nepetifolia) 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 | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Leonotis |
| Species | Leonotis nepetifolia |
Similar in genus Leonotis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
