Crossandra Orange Marmalade

Plant Overview

Crossandra Orange Marmalade (Crossandra infundibuliformis), also known as Firecracker Flower, is a vibrant tropical flowering plant prized for its brilliant orange blossoms and glossy, deep green foliage. This compact, bushy variety produces clusters of delicate, fan-shaped flowers that provide striking color from spring through fall. Well suited to Florida's warm, humid climate, Crossandra Orange Marmalade makes an attractive addition to shaded garden beds, landscape borders, patios, and decorative containers. Its naturally rounded growth habit and colorful blooms offer beautiful contrast against surrounding greenery. With proper care, this tropical perennial provides long-lasting seasonal color and can also be grown indoors as a flowering houseplant.

Key Plant Characteristics

• Mature Height: Approximately 18–24 inches

• Mature Spread: Approximately 18–24 inches

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, and upright tropical perennial

• Foliage: Glossy, deep green, oval-shaped leaves with slightly wavy edges

• Flowers: Bright orange, fan-shaped blooms arranged in upright flower clusters

• Blooming Season: Spring through fall, with extended flowering possible in warm, frost-free conditions

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Generally 10–11 for outdoor perennial growth; grown as an annual or container plant in colder regions

• Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun to partial shade; bright, indirect light indoors

• Special Features: Heat-tolerant, humidity-loving, long blooming, and suitable for tropical landscapes and containers

Plant Care Guide

• Sunlight: Plant in a location receiving morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Crossandra Orange Marmalade generally performs best with approximately 3–4 hours of gentle direct sunlight or bright, filtered light. Protect from intense afternoon sun, which may scorch the foliage.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and active flowering. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. Avoid allowing the soil to become completely dry or remain waterlogged.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, organically rich, well-draining soil. When planting in Florida's sandy soils, incorporate organic matter to improve moisture retention while maintaining good drainage.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy foliage and abundant flowering. Container-grown plants may benefit from occasional diluted liquid fertilizer during active growth.

• Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage additional blooming. Lightly trim stems as needed to maintain a compact, bushy appearance and remove damaged or leggy growth.

• Cold Protection: Crossandra is sensitive to cold temperatures, and prolonged exposure below 50–55°F may cause stress or leaf drop. Protect outdoor plants from frost and freezing temperatures, particularly in North and Central Florida. Move container-grown plants indoors during cold weather.

• Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to serious pest problems, although aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, or spider mites may occasionally appear. Maintain proper airflow and avoid excessive soil moisture to help prevent root-related diseases.

• Additional Care Tips: Crossandra thrives in warm, humid environments and benefits from consistent moisture during flowering. When grown indoors, provide bright, indirect sunlight and protection from air-conditioning drafts. Its delicate flowers may become damaged during heavy rainfall, but healthy plants will continue producing new blooms throughout the growing season.