Chilean Firecracker Plant Plant Care
Mitraria coccinea Cav.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Mitraria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, comprising the sole species Mitraria coccinea.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chilean Firecracker Plant?
Water Chilean Firecracker Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Chilean Firecracker Plant?
Chilean Firecracker Plant (Mitraria coccinea) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Mitraria genus. Chilean Firecracker Plant is also known as Scarlet Mitre.
Chilean Firecracker Plant displays a trailing vine growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chilean Firecracker Plant produces tubular orange-red flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chilean Firecracker Plant?
Mitraria coccinea requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Chilean Firecracker Plant Need?
Chilean Firecracker Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chilean Firecracker Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chilean Firecracker Plant Prefer?
Mitraria coccinea grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Chilean Firecracker Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chilean Firecracker Plant?
Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Firecracker Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chilean Firecracker Plant?
Feed Chilean Firecracker Plant every 6 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 6 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 Chilean Firecracker Plant?
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 Chilean Firecracker Plant?
Chilean Firecracker Plant can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of offsets.
Is the Chilean Firecracker Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chilean Firecracker Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Chilean Firecracker Plant?
Chilean Firecracker Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Chilean Firecracker Plant Need?
Chilean Firecracker Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Chilean Firecracker Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Chilean Firecracker Plant 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 Mitraria genus — compare its care with other Mitraria species on PlantoScan.
Mitraria is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Chilean Firecracker Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Mitraria coccinea Cav., family Gesneriaceae (first published in Anales Ci. Nat. 3: 281 (1801)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chilean Firecracker Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. 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.
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