Bottle Brush Red

Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing 

The Bottle Brush Red plant, scientifically known as Callistemon citrinus, is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its bright red, brush-like flowers that resemble the bristles of a bottle cleaner. Native to Australia and widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions, this plant is hardy, low-maintenance, and perfect for gardens, landscapes, and large containers. With the right care, it can bloom multiple times a year and become a centrepiece of your outdoor space.

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Bottle Brush Red – Complete Care Guide :

Light Requirements

Bottle Brush Red thrives in full sunlight, which is essential for abundant flowering. It needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The more sunlight it receives, the brighter and more frequent the blooms will be. While it can tolerate partial shade, this often reduces flowering and may cause the plant to grow lanky.

Place the plant in an open garden area, terrace, or sunny balcony. Avoid planting it in shaded corners, as it may not bloom well.

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Watering Needs

Bottle Brush is naturally drought-tolerant once established, but younger plants need consistent moisture.

Watering Guidelines:

• Young plants: Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged.

• Established plants: Water deeply once every 5–7 days during warm months.

• In the rainy season, reduce watering to avoid soggy soil.

• In winter, water lightly when the topsoil dries.

Overwatering is a common problem and can lead to root rot. Always allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry before watering again. Drooping leaves or yellowing foliage often indicate watering mistakes.

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Soil Requirements

Bottle Brush Red prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, but it struggles in compact, clay-heavy soil.

Ideal potting mix for containers:

• 40% garden soil

• 30% coarse sand or river sand

• 20% compost or cow dung

• 10% cocopeat

Good drainage is essential because standing water around the roots can cause fungal infections. Adding mulch around the base also helps retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

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Temperature and Climate

Being a warm-climate plant, Bottle Brush grows well in temperatures between 18–35°C. It tolerates heat but may suffer if exposed to harsh frost or freezing temperatures.

Protect from:

• Cold winds

• Winter frost

• Sudden temperature drops

If the plant is grown in a pot, shift it to a more sheltered location during cold months. Leaf drop during winter is normal if temperatures dip too low.

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Humidity

Bottle Brush Red does well in moderate outdoor humidity. It does not require very high humidity, making it ideal for warm, dry climates. Avoid misting the plant, as it does not benefit from extra moisture on its foliage.

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Fertilization

Regular feeding encourages strong growth and heavy flowering.

Fertilizer schedule:

• Apply a balanced NPK 10-10-10 or Bloom Booster (NPK 5-10-5) once every 30–45 days during the active growing season (spring to early autumn).

• Organic options such as compost, cow dung, seaweed extract, or vermicompost work well.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it produces more leaves but fewer flowers.

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Pruning

Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages new branching and flowering.

Pruning Tips:

• Trim back the flowering spikes after blooms fade.

• Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.

• Avoid pruning just before the flowering season.

Light, regular pruning results in a bushier and more attractive plant.

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Pests and Diseases

Bottle Brush Red is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract:

• Aphids

• Scale insects

• Mealybugs

• Caterpillars

Spray with neem oil every 10–15 days as a preventive measure.
Common diseases include leaf spot, mildew, and root rot—usually caused by poor drainage or overwatering.

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Propagation

Bottle Brush can be propagated through:

• Semi-hardwood stem cuttings, which root best in warm, humid weather.

• Seeds, though this method is slower.

Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining mix.