Whether plume or cockscomb, the Celosia has different appearances. This is probably what makes the variable plant so popular.
The Brandschopf (Celosia) is available in various shapes and colours, as a bedding, balcony or house plant and even as a cut flower. No matter which variety and which location you choose - here are tips for planting and care.
Celosia: Origin and Properties
The genus Celosia, known to us as Brandschopf, comes from the tropical regions of Africa and South America. It belongs to the foxtail family (Amaranthaceae) and contains about 60 species. The herbaceous plants grow either upright or climbing and have simple, green leaves. When we talk about the ornamental plant Celosia, we usually mean the silver smut (Celosia argentea) in one of its variations. The spike-shaped inflorescences consist of many small individual flowers, which in some cultivated forms can also be arranged like a cockscomb or plume. There are varieties with flowers of different colors. The flowering period extends from July to October. The one-year-old silver bush grows upright and is about 30 cm high, in its homeland even up to 2 m. Depending on the location, the plume can be perennial or annual. If it is kept warm as a houseplant all year round, you can enjoy the flowers for several years.
Tip: In its regions of origin, Celosia is also used as a food and medicinal plant, as the leaves contain vitamin C, among other things.
Is the Celosia bee-friendly? Although bees and butterflies find food on the burnt head, the Celosia is not as attractive to insects as native ones Flowering plants.
The most beautiful Celosia varieties and species
The Silber-Brandschopf is available in many varieties with different flower colours. The shape of the flowers is also differentthen we divide the silver Brandschopf into three groups of varieties.
Plume (Celosia argentea var. plumosa)
The Federbusch Celosia is characterized by the typical, feather-like inflorescences. In reddish tones, the flower can also resemble a flame, which explains the name Brandschopf.
- ‘Deep Purple’: Develops bright purple buds
- 'Red Feather': Has an intense, fiery red flower colour
- 'Venezuela': This variety comes with pink flowers
Roosterscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata)
The Hahnenkamm-Celosia has completely different flowers. As the name suggests, the individual flowers are arranged more flatly and form a kind of wave in the upper part, reminiscent of a rooster's comb.
- ‘Hot Tropic’: Here you will find pink flowers with a cockscomb look
- 'Twisted Yellow': The variety develops orange-yellow cockscomb flowers with a dark edge
Wheat Celosia (Celosia argentea var. spicata)
The variety group of wheat Celosia is somewhat simpler in shape. The flower is smaller and usually a little more reserved in color than that of the other varieties. It is arranged in a narrow tail.
- 'Flamingo Feather': The flowers are pinkish-white, gradually becoming pinker towards the top
- ‘Celway Lemon’: Here the flowers turn a rich yellow towards the top, while appearing more whitish below
Plant Cockscomb
The fireman can be kept both indoors and outdoors. In both cases, the Brandschopf should definitely be in a bright place, because light is important for the formation of flowers. Direct sun is tolerated but can cause the flowers to fade. Therefore, a bright location with lots of indirect light is ideal for the Celosia. In addition, the plant should be sheltered from the wind and warm at 16 to 21 °C. It does not tolerate temperatures below 5 °C. High humidity is also good for the tropical plant.
If you have aIf you want to plant a plume or cockscomb, it is best to use a bucket. So you can bring it into the house when it's cold or put it in a warm place. The sensitive taproot must be treated with particular care so that growth is not inhibited. First, a drainage layer consisting of coarse material is laid before a layer of substrate is filled in. A high-quality, humus-rich substrate such as our Plantura organic universal soil is suitable as soil. It is equipped with plenty of nutrients and, with its loose structure, offers the fireman optimal growth conditions. The soil must always be kept evenly moist. If the substrate is too dry, premature flowering and a shorter flowering period can occur.
If the smut is to stand outside, it should not be planted until mid-May, since then there is usually no longer any risk of frost. He can't cope with cold temperatures. If the thermometer shows at least 10 °C all day, you can plant the smut outside. A distance of 20 to 25 cm between the plants should be maintained so that they develop well.
Tip: If you move your Celosia from indoors to outdoors in spring, you should slowly get the plant used to the new conditions. It is then initially placed in a semi-shady place for only a few hours. Gradually you lengthen the time.
At a glance: planting cockscomb
- Location: Bright, with lots of indirect light, sheltered from the wind and warm at 16 to 21°C
- Planting in tubs recommended: drainage layer made of coarse material, humus-rich substrate with plenty of nutrients
- Planting outside: From mid-May at over 10 °C all day long, planting distance of 20 to 25 cm
Proper care of Celosia
A few important steps in Celosie care help to ensure that the plant produces magnificent flowers and stays he althy.
The Brandschopf's water requirement is quite high. The substrate should never dry out, but should always be kept evenly moist. Rainwater is ideal as irrigation water, but tap water is also tolerated. Any water that collects in the coaster will be removed after about fifteen minutes.
When it comes to fertilizing, the following applies to the brand head: less is more. If the Celosia is over-supplied with nutrients, this can affect the color of the flowers, among other things. If the smut is kept in a bucket, it should be supplied with an organic liquid fertilizer every four weeks from May to September, such as our Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer. Our primarily organic fertilizer not only promotes growth, but also strengthens the roots with the microorganisms it contains.
A pruning is only partially necessary. The smut does not usually have to be restricted in its growth. However, by cutting out the withered inflorescences, the flowering period can be extended. The flowers are also ideal as cut flowers. For this purpose, the flowers are best harvested when the bud sites are almost fully developed. Then the cut flowers will last longer.
The plume is quite susceptible to thrips infestation. These suck out the plant sap, resulting in tiny, punctiform brightening on the leaves. If the plant is not airy enough, an infestation by sac fungi of the genus Botrytis is possible.
Snails on the Celosia: The Celosia is not particularly interesting for snails - if the animals can't find anything better in the area, the leaves of the plume can be nibbled on.
Is the Celosia hardy?
The Celosia is not hardy and must be brought indoors at temperatures below 10 °C. Hibernation is rather unusual and not easy. It is possible to keep the Brandschopf bright and warm all year round and just water it a little more sparingly in winter and not fertilize it. This is best done in a greenhouse with plenty of artificial plant light. However, it is easier to take advantage of the numerous seeds and multiply the plume by sowing so that new plants bloom next year.
Propagation
The smut is propagated by sowing in the spring. First, a container with a drainage layer and growing substrate is prepared. For example, our Plantura organic herb and seed soil, which was specially developed for the cultivation of seeds, is suitable for this. Our peat-free soil contains fewer nutrients than our other substrates,to stimulate root growth. The seeds are then sown individually. Press the Brandschopf seeds only lightly and sprinkle them very finely with sand to weigh the seeds down, because as they germinate in the light, the seeds must not be covered with soil. Optimal conditions are achieved by putting a transparent plastic bag over the pot. At 20 to 22 °C and constant humidity, it takes about two weeks to germinate. A particularly bright place under sunlight promotes development. With increasing growth, the moisture in the soil can be slightly reduced and fertilized a little more. If the Celosia is big enough, it can be repotted. The sensitive root should be treated with particular care.
Is the plume poisonous?
Since Celosia species are not poisonous to cats, dogs or humans, the plants can easily be placed in any home. In their countries of origin, Celosia is even used in medicine and cooking.
Similarly unusual flowers like the Celosia also form the blood flower. It can also stand indoors and outdoors. In our article, we will show you how to plant and care for the blood flower.