red-hot poker

Red-hot poker plants are drought tolerant so it is not necessary to water them often. To keep them healthy and thriving, water them deeply once every week or 2 during the growing season--typically from spring until autumn. Make sure to water the soil deeply so that the moisture reaches all the way down to the roots. During hot summers, be sure to water your plant more often to keep the soil evenly moist. During winter months, when the plant is dormant, you should cut back on watering and instead, only provide moisture to the plant if the soil becomes very dry.

Red-hot poker plants require at least 5 to 6 hours of direct, filtered sunlight per day for optimal growth. This should occur between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sunlight is the strongest and most intense. Pay close attention to the plant during the summer months, as the increased intensity of the sunlight can damage the foliage and cause sunburn.

Red-hot poker plants, such as the variety 'Mango Popsicle', should be pruned lightly and infrequently. In the spring, remove any dead foliage that might be lingering and cut back any stems that appear too long. In addition, cut back any stalks that may have been damaged during winter to promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done right after the plants have finished flowering. Pruning encourages dense foliage and branched stems, so it's best to practice pruning lightly and selectively. When removing any portion of the plant or the flower, ensure that the cut is made just above the bud. This will help to ensure that the red-hot poker plants continue to produce a robust display of blooms next year.