Common Conebush Leucadendron salignum 'Fireglow'

Water

Common sage, or Leucadendron 'Fireglow', should be watered deeply but infrequently. It's best to water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This might mean watering about once a week during active growth periods in warmer seasons, and less during cooler seasons. Since Leucadendrons are drought-tolerant, they typically require about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session, although this can vary depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions.

Light

Leucadendron 'Fireglow' thrives best in full sunlight. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sun daily. An area that is south-facing will usually provide the optimal amount of light for this plant to grow strong and vibrant.

Temperature

Common sage, or Leucadendron 'Fireglow', prefers a mild climate and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but it thrives in temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be protected from frost and extreme cold, which means in colder climates it's preferable to grow it in pots that can be moved indoors during winter.

Pruning

Leucadendron 'Fireglow' requires minimal pruning which is generally done to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is after the plant has finished blooming in the spring. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back up to one-third of the plant to promote new growth. Pruning can be done once a year or every few years as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Leucadendron, commonly known as the Conebush 'Fireglow', requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. A soil mix composed of 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite or coarse sand, and 1 part fine bark works well, ensuring good aeration and drainage.

Repotting

Conebush 'Fireglow' should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years, preferring not to be disturbed often. Use a suitable well-draining acidic soil mix during repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Conebush 'Fireglow' prefers a moderate humidity level, around 40-60%. It is tolerant of drier air, especially once well-established, but should not be in excessively humid conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, well-drained soil, water sparingly.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Leucadendron salignum 'Fireglow', commonly known as the Common Sunshine Conebush, begins with seed germination, which is encouraged by exposure to smoke or fire, simulating the natural fire-prone habitat where it thrives. After germination, the seedling grows gradually, establishing a strong root system and developing its characteristic lance-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it grows vigorously and forms a woody shrub, often reaching up to 1-1.5 meters in height. During the flowering stage, typically from late winter to spring, the Common Sunshine Conebush produces vivid red inflorescences, which are actually colored bracts surrounding the true flowers, making it highly attractive. After pollination, typically by birds or wind, it develops seeds, which are held in cone-like structures that can persist on the plant for years until they are released by environmental triggers such as fire. The plant has a lifespan that can exceed 20 years in the right conditions, after which it completes its life cycle, leaving behind seeds to regenerate and continue the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Leucadendron salignum 'Fireglow', commonly known as Fireglow, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is during the late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. The lower leaves are stripped, and the base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then planted in a well-draining, sterile medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat, and kept moist until roots have established. It's important to provide a humid environment, which can be achieved by covering the cuttings with a plastic dome or placing them in a propagation misting system.