Acanthaceae
Hummingbird plant: Pet-Safe Plant
Dicliptera squarrosa
A hardy and low-maintenance plant, Dicliptera squarrosa performs best in full sun or partial shade with moderate watering—allow the substrate to dry out between waterings, as it is sensitive to waterlogging. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates heat, air salinity, and short periods of drought once established, but does not tolerate hard frosts without protection. It is resistant to pests and diseases, with the main risk being root rot from excess water.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
10° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Hummingbird plant?
Hummingbird plant (Dicliptera squarrosa) is a easy-care plant from the Acanthaceae family. Dicliptera squarrosa is a perennial subshrub in the Acanthaceae family, native to central South America—occurring in Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Uruguay, and the south, southeast, and midwest of Brazil, including Cerrado areas. Also known as the hummingbird plant and firecracker pla...
Hummingbird plant grows up to 60cm, spread of 45cm, watering every 7 days, 10°C – 35°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Hummingbird plant tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Hummingbird plant is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Hummingbird plant?
TLDR: Hummingbird plant needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 10-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Hummingbird plant?
Water only when the top few inches of the substrate are dry to the touch—generally every 6 to 8 days in pots, with more frequent watering on very hot days. Water in the morning so the foliage dries before nightfall and avoid leaving standing water in the pot saucer, as waterlogging promotes root rot.
How Much Light Does Hummingbird plant Need?
Prefer a location with full sun (6 to 8 hours daily) or, in very hot climates, morning sun with light afternoon shade to avoid leaf burn. Indoors, keep the plant near a well-lit window—it does not tolerate low light.
What Is the Best Soil for Hummingbird plant?
Use a light and well-drained substrate rich in organic matter. A mixture of potting soil with perlite or vermiculite and a bit of coconut fiber ensures good drainage and prevents moisture buildup at the roots.
What Pot Should You Use for Hummingbird plant?
Prefer unglazed clay or ceramic pots, which favor the evaporation of excess moisture, with generous drainage holes. Since the plant has a compact size (up to ~24 inches), a medium pot of 8-10 inches in diameter is sufficient; repot into a larger container as the roots fill the space.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Hummingbird plant and Where Does It Come From?
Dicliptera squarrosa is a perennial subshrub in the Acanthaceae family, native to central South America—occurring in Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Uruguay, and the south, southeast, and midwest of Brazil, including Cerrado areas. Also known as the hummingbird plant and firecracker plant, it owes its nicknames to its tubular orange-red flowers, which are highly sought after by hummingbirds and butterflies. It is a low to medium-sized subshrub with an upright to trailing habit and thin stems, reaching about 24 inches (60 cm) in height by 18 inches (45 cm) in width (potentially reaching 3 feet in more vigorous cultivation). The leaves are opposite, ovate, soft, and velvety, covered by a fine grayish down that gives them a characteristic gray-green tone. The flowers, 0.8 to 1.5 inches (2 to 4 cm) long, appear in axillary and terminal clusters and bloom from spring to fall, peaking between summer and early autumn.
How to Propagate Hummingbird plant?
Stem cuttings
The fastest and most reliable method for this species; best performed in late spring or summer when the plant is in active growth.
- 1 Cut 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems
- 2 Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting
- 3 Plant in a light, moist substrate (mixture of perlite and soil)
- 4 Keep in a location with indirect light and constant humidity until rooted
Materials needed:
Seeds
Relatively easy germination; protect young seedlings from strong sun and extreme temperatures.
- 1 Sow in a light, well-drained substrate, lightly covering the seeds
- 2 Keep the substrate moist and in a warm place until germination
- 3 Transplant the seedlings when they have a few sets of true leaves
Materials needed:
How Big Does Hummingbird plant Grow?
TLDR: Hummingbird plant can reach up to 60cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
45cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Hummingbird plant?
TLDR: Hummingbird plant is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Meaning & Symbolism
By attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with its firework-shaped orange-red flowers, Dicliptera squarrosa is associated with vitality, joy, and the energy of wildlife in the garden—a symbol of movement and liveliness.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Dicliptera squarrosa - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Dicliptera squarrosa - Wikipedia
- Dicliptera squarrosa - Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
- Dicliptera squarrosa (Canario rojo) - La Nacion Nativas
- Dicliptera squarrosa - Jardin Botanico de Buenos Aires
- Dicliptera Squarrosa plant care guide & info - Ploi
- Dicliptera (Dicliptera squarrosa) - Care & Guide - Sproutly
- Keep Your Dicliptera Alive: Light, Water & Care Instructions - Greg
