Crossandra plants, also known as firecracker flower, is native to southern India and Sri Lanka. It features narrow, oblong leaves and showy peach or coral flowers. It's grown as a bedding plant in tropical and subtropical areas and as an annual in northern areas. It also can be grown indoors. Planting Season: Crossandra is best planted in the spring and is a moderate to fast grower. With sufficient moisture and light, it should bloom in about seven months. When growing crossandra plants outdoors, they're known to attract butterflies.
 
Crossandra is among the few plants that provide months of lovely blooms in partial shade. Thus, it is especially valuable when paired with other shade-tolerant plants for color, including ​impatiens, coleus, and shrimp plants. Indoors, crossandra is tolerant of low light and will provide long-lasting flowers from late spring to autumn.
 
Number of blooms the crossandra plant can be enhanced by removing old and dying flowers (deadheading). The key for successful growth overall is to meet moderate to high moisture and humidity requirements and to protect it from cold temperatures.
 
These plants thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. During the summertime, do not expose them to direct sunlight. But in the winter, provide as much light as possible. Indoors, your plant can do well with bright artificial light if you don't have a sunny window.
 
A rich, peat-based, fast-draining potting soil is ideal for crossandra. When grown outdoors in the ground, it needs to be in a spot with excellent drainage, and it will enjoy having compost mixed into its soil for the added nutrients.
 
During the growing season, water frequently and never allow the soil to dry out. Crossandra plants are very susceptible to drought and like a slightly moist—but not soggy—soil at all times. Reduce the amount you water in the winter, even if you're growing your crossandra indoors in a pot.
 
Crossandra is very heat-tolerant and cold-sensitive, as befitting a plant that comes from the tropics. If the temperature goes below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant can experience damage to its leaves or the top growth. A weak liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season will help. Cut fertilizer back to once a month in the winter.
 
Cultivation: Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Transfer the plant in late spring/early summer (soil temp at least 60°F) in a warm and sunny location. The plant is being grown in the greenhouse for approximately 6 – 8 weeks. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Train to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest. 

Please note: Maturity, adaptability and disease tolerance may differ under your specific climate and/or growing conditions.