How to Grow Fire Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Fire tree is a beautiful plant that grows in tropical climates. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The leaves of the fire tree are a deep green color and are about 6 inches long. The flowers of the fire tree are a bright red color and they bloom in the summertime.

How to Grow Fire Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Morning glory
  • Glory lily
  • Asiatic lily
  • Trumpet lily
  • Panther lily

Common Knowledge

  • Fire trees are beautiful, unusual trees that are native to Australia.
  • They are also known as "flame trees" or "flamboyant trees".
  • Fire trees have bright red, orange or yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
  • The flowers are followed by long, thin seed pods that dangle from the branches.
  • Fire trees are fast-growing trees and can reach up to 30 metres tall.
  • They are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun.
  • Fire trees are popular as ornamental trees in gardens and parks.
  • They are also used in landscaping for their vibrant colours and attract birds and other wildlife.
  • Fire trees are relatively easy to care for and are low-maintenance.
  • These trees can live for up to 100 years.

Related plant:
Bush On Fire Croton

Planting Process

  1. For fire tree, first step is to obtain the acorn or seeds.
  2. Place the acorn in a pot with well-drained soil.
  3. Water the acorn regularly and wait for it to germinate.
  4. Once the acorn has germinated, transplant it to a larger pot or into the ground.
  5. Keep the tree well-watered, especially during the summer months.
  6. Fertilize the tree every year using a balanced fertilizer.
  7. Prune the tree as needed to keep it healthy and to encourage new growth.
  8. Protect the tree from cold weather by wrapping it in burlap or placing it in a sheltered location.
  9. Watch for signs of pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful fire tree!

Related plant:
Little Quick Fire Hydrangea

The Soil

About soil condition, fire tree need very little. In fact, they will often grow in places where other trees cannot because their roots are so shallow. They are able to hold on to whatever nutrients are in the top layer of soil and do not need to go deep to find moisture.

Light condition

Like the other trees, fire trees need sunlight to grow. They are usually found in open areas where they can get plenty of sun. Without enough sun, fire trees will not be able to produce the energy they need to survive.

Good Temperature

The temperature underneath the fire tree was extremely hot. I could feel the heat radiating from the ground as I walked underneath the tree. The tree itself was completely engulfed in flames, and the leaves were falling off the tree and landing on the ground around it. The ground around the tree was covered in a layer of ash, and the air was thick with smoke.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. The plant cannot tolerate extremely low or high humidity levels. If the humidity is too low, the leaves willdroop and the plant will stop growing. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and the plant will start to rot.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this plant cannot grow without the addition of nutrients to the soil. Fertilize regularly during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Apply fertilizer around the drip line of the tree, not directly against the trunk. Fertilizer can be applied any time of year as long as the ground is not frozen.

Light requirement

Pruning a fire tree is important to maintaining its shape and preventing it from becoming overgrown. To prune a fire tree, first identify the main branches that need to be removed. These are typically the branches that are growing out of the tree's natural shape or are rubbing against other branches. Once you have identified the main branches that need to be removed, use a sharp pair of pruning shears to cut them off at the base. Be sure to make clean cuts so that the tree can heal properly.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of growing new plants from existing ones. Fire tree can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or through root division. Seed propagation is the most common method, but it can take several years for the plant to mature. Cuttings can be taken from the tips of branches and will grow quickly if placed in moist soil. Root division is best done in the springtime when the plant is actively growing.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done on young plants in the first few years after planting. Growth rates vary considerably depending on the species, but are generally fastest in the first year or two. After that, growth rates tend to stabilize and remain relatively constant until the plant matures. Some fire tree species may continue to grow slowly for many years, while others may stop growing altogether after a few years. There is no definitive answer for how fast fire trees grow, as it varies significantly from species to species and depends on a number of different factors.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are mostly due to cultural practices. Overwatering is the most common problem, especially when the tree is young. This can lead to problems with the roots, including root rot.Too much fertilizer can also be a problem, as it can burn the roots. The tree also needs full sun to thrive, so planting it in too shady of an area can also lead to problems.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your fire tree regularly, as it does not tolerate drought well.
  • Place your tree in an area with full sun for best growth.
  • Amend the soil around your tree with organic matter to help it retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your fire tree a couple of times a year with a general purpose fertilizer.
  • Prune your fire tree regularly to maintain its shape.
  • Protect your tree from strong winds, as they can damage its branches.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and address them immediately if found.
  • Avoid planting your fire tree too close to buildings or other structures.
  • Choose a suitable location before planting, as fire trees are not easily relocated.
  • Plan ahead for the tree's mature size when selecting a planting spot.

Substitution

  • Dampiera
  • Morinda
  • Combretum
  • Myrica
  • Ptelea
  • Terminalia
  • Hippophae
  • Ochroma
  • Mimusops
  • Brahea

Source:
Huge forest fires don’t cause living trees to release much carbon, …
Fire Program | OSU Extension Service
Fighting Fire with Fire: California Turns to Prescribed Burning

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Trees Category