Fireweed Plant Care
Erechtites glomeratus (Desf. ex Poir.) DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Erechtites glomeratus, common name New Zealand fireweed, or cutleaf burnweed, or fireweed or Cluster-headed fireweed, is a species of plant in the sunflower family. It is native to Australia and New Zealand, and also naturalized on the Pacific Coast of the United States.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Fireweed?
Water Fireweed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Fireweed Native To?
What Is the Fireweed?
Fireweed (Erechtites glomeratus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Erechtites genus. Fireweed is native to Australia and New Zealand, and also naturalized on the Pacific Coast of the United States. Fireweed is also known as Native Fireweed.
Fireweed displays a tall, upright annual growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Fireweed produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fireweed?
Erechtites glomeratus requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fireweed Need?
Fireweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fireweed Prefer?
Erechtites glomeratus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Fireweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fireweed?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Fireweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fireweed?
Feed Fireweed every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fireweed?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fireweed?
Fireweed can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prodromus systematis naturalis regni vegetabilis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fireweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fireweed?
Fireweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fireweed Need?
Fireweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Fireweed is native to Australia and New Zealand, and also naturalized on the Pacific Coast of the United States. In cooler regions, grow Fireweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Fireweed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Erechtites genus — compare its care with other Erechtites species on PlantoScan.
Erechtites is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Fireweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Erechtites Species
Other Erechtites species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Erechtites glomeratus (Desf. ex Poir.) DC., family Asteraceae (first published in Prodr. 6: 297 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Fireweed is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Fireweed Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species