Mannettia luteorubra, often known as M. inflata, the Candy Corn Vine, or Brazilian Firecracker, is a perennial climber that can reach heights of 12 feet. Its slightly sticky, hairy, vining stems are covered in lance-shape green leaves up to 6 inches long. It is grown primarily for its candy corn-like flowers, which are tubular, slightly hairy, and bright red or orange in color with a pronounced yellow tip.
Manettia luteorubra has strong disease resistance and generally does not tend to get sick. However, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. These issues are usually mild. Regarding care, the plant has moderate needs. It should be pruned regularly to keep a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Manettia luteorubra is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not require extensive care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Manettia Luteorubra.
Light
Manettia luteorubra is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it experiences natural shade. It favors partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, demonstrating its versatility and hardiness.
Water
Plants grown in the garden should be watered until they are well established. Then they only need watering in exceptionally dry weather or when they show signs of wilting. Plants grown indoors, or in containers, should be watered when the top couple of inches of the soil in the container has dried out. Watering should be reduced in winter.
Temperature
Manettia luteorubra is native to tropical areas, where the weather is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to elevated temperatures and humidity. It dislikes sudden shifts in temperature and prefers a consistent thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically cannot tolerate cold conditions and needs warmer temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature becomes too low, the plant may stop growing or even perish.
Fertilizer
Appropriate fertilization is essential for Manettia luteorubra’s health and appearance. Fertilize Manettia luteorubra monthly during the summer, repeating the treatment throughout the season. Nutrients power growth and help maintain the plant’s parts. Fertilizing improves Manettia luteorubra’s floral display, ensuring it produces the best blooms.
Pruning
The RHS has M. luteorubra in Pruning group 12. This means that side-shoots should be shortened to 3-4 buds from the main framework of the plant in late winter or early spring. Any diseased, damaged, or unsightly growth should also be removed. It is possible to restrict the size of the Candy Corn Vine by pruning the growing point of the main stems to encourage bushiness.
Toxicity
No toxicity reported to humans or to common pets or livestock. However, it is not meant to be ingested and may still cause stomach upset or allergic reactions if it is.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Manettia
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 2.13 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 1.52 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Red, Yellow
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Paraguay, Uruguay
Other names.
