How do you tell if bottle brush is dead?

To determine if a bottle brush plant is dead, check for signs of life such as green stems or new growth at the base. If the stems are brown, dry, and brittle with no green tissue underneath, the plant is likely dead. Additionally, scratch the bark slightly with your fingernail; if it remains brown and dry, it indicates the plant is not alive. Lastly, if the plant fails to produce leaves or flowers during its growing season, it may also be a sign of death.