Crimson Bottlebrush Plant (Callistemon): Growing This Australian Native Indoors

Botanical Name: Callistemon citrinus

Looking for an unusual houseplant? The Crimson Bottlebrush Plant is sure to grab attention—and admiration. It's also a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds if you move it to a porch or patio for summer.

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Given enough light, this plant produces upright flower spikes in spring and summer. The "bottlebrush" flowers aren't true petals—each spike is composed of bright-red stamens with yellow tips, clustered on stems up to 4 in (10 cm) long, topped with a tuft of leaves.

Woody stems are covered top to bottom with long, narrow, pointed dark-green leaves that grow upward, giving the plant a lean, elegant look. The leaves have a fragrant, lemony scent—hence the common name Lemon Bottlebrush.

This Australian evergreen shrub thrives with bright sun, warm temperatures, and dry air. With good care, it becomes a fairly large shrub, but regular pruning keeps it compact. Dwarf cultivars are available for smaller spaces.

Year-Round Care for Bottlebrush

Let It Bask in the Sun It makes an easy indoor plant if you can provide the sunlight it needs. Place it directly in front of a sunny window, or move it outdoors for summer. Bring it back inside when nighttime temperatures drop to 45°F (7°C)—this plant won't tolerate cold.

Prune It Immediately after flowering, cut the plant back by half to keep it compact. Use sharp pruners to avoid tearing stems.

Give It a Rest Callistemons need a winter rest. Keep the plant in a cool place (minimum 45°F / 7°C). Cut back on watering, keeping soil only slightly moist.

Repot in Spring This plant blooms best when slightly pot-bound, so move to a slightly larger pot only every couple of years or when needed. Once it reaches your desired size, you can repot in the same container just to refresh the soil.

Bottlebrush Care Quick Reference

Origin: Australia

Height: Up to 4 ft (1.2 m) indoors

Light: Full sun

Water: Water thoroughly spring through fall, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Cut back in winter. Drought-tolerant—if in doubt, keep it on the dry side.

Humidity: Prefers low humidity

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60–75°F (16–24°C). Hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Cool winter rest minimum: 45°F (7°C).

Soil: Well-drained soil. Use 2 parts potting mix and 1 part sharp sand.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly spring and summer with high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take 3 in (7 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring or early summer. Can also be grown from seed sown in spring.