Odontonema tubaeforme
TAXONOMY
FamilyAcanthaceae
GenusOdontonema
Zone10
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Odontonema tubaeforme, commonly known as Firespike, is a tropical shrub native to Central and South America. It belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is known for its vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant thrives in wet tropical climates and can grow up to 6 feet tall. It does not have a dormancy period and remains evergreen throughout the year.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Fire Spike
Justicia Tubaeformis
Odontonema amicorum
Odontonema flagellum
Odontonema longifolium
Odontonema pantasmense
Odontonema strictum
Thyrsacanthus flagellum
Thyrsacanthus longifolius
Thyrsacanthus pantasmensis
Thyrsacanthus strictus
Thyrsacanthus strictus f. evolutior
Thyrsacanthus tubaeformis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity80%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
To care for Odontonema tubaeforme, place it in a location with bright, indirect light. Maintain moderate temperatures and high humidity levels. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making it versatile for various settings.Soil
Odontonema tubaeforme prefers well-draining loamy soil that retains moisture. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support its nutrient needs. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, so consider using a pot with drainage holes if growing indoors.Fertilizer
Fertilize Odontonema tubaeforme with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Reduce fertilization during the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.Repotting
Repot Odontonema tubaeforme every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil. Water thoroughly after repotting.Propagation
Propagate Odontonema tubaeforme through stem cuttings. Take cuttings in the spring or early summer, ensuring each cutting has at least one node. Place the cuttings in a moist, well-draining soil mix and keep them in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.Pruning
Prune Odontonema tubaeforme to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pruning can be done in the spring or after the flowering period. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back leggy growth to promote a fuller appearance.Toxicity
Odontonema tubaeforme is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always a good practice to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
