Fire Spike (Odontonema strictum)

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htop San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 15, 2003

Common name: Fire Spike
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Odontonema
Species strictum

Plant Link: http://plantsdatabase.com/go/1854/

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Post #681134
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clantonnaomi Iredell, TX Oct 15, 2003

This is a beautiful plant. I don't think I have ever seen one in a nursery. Did you buy the plant or plant seed? I can certainly see why you have several.

Post #681750
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htop San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 15, 2003

Hi, I purchased the plants at a local nursery. They are one of my very favorites now. Providing a tropical feel with the deep green foliage from the time they come up until the first freeze, even without the blooms they are beautiful. The blooms start out small and keep growing longer and longer. A prettier red is hard to find. I have never seen seeds that can be purchased. You may want to inquire about them at a nursery. I had never really noticed them until I was looking around at the nursery in late summer when they were starting to bloom last year.

Post #682101
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rylaff Niceville, FL(Zone 8b) Oct 16, 2003

I like how it grows that fan looking thing on the end. And how the hummingbirds love this plant.

Thumbnail by rylaff
Post #682545
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htop San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 16, 2003

I do too!. The speedwell bloom does this too. I don't know what you would call this part. I was intrigued the first time I saw the blooms develop this. How do you insert the photo on the comments section? I would have inserted the speedwell photo if I knew how to do so. Thanks for your comments and photo.

Post #682547
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docturf Conway, SC(Zone 8b) Oct 16, 2003

Firespike does very well here in coastal South Carolina -- has withstood 15 degree weather this past January. And it is true that hummers love it!! Mine is growing in semi-shade and receives very little fertilization.

Post #682884
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htop San Antonio, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 17, 2003

It makes me happy to know that this plant can be enjoyed in regions with much cooler weather than in my zone. Last winter it withstood temperatures in the low 20s here. Usually the temperature only remains this low for a few hours in the earky morning. It does like semi-shade best here too; however, in intense heat here it tends to wilt without a little extra water if it receives direct sun for any lenght of time. The foliage tends to be greener in the shade and the blooms reach out toward the light. Thanks for your comments. :o)

Post #683320
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