Fire Spike Plant – Odontonema strictum

A blaze of red that lights up shaded gardens. Fire Spike (Odontonema strictum) is a stunning tropical shrub prized for its vivid scarlet flower spikes that rise dramatically above deep green foliage. One of the few flowering shrubs that thrives in partial shade, it is a favourite for Kerala garden borders, butterfly gardens, and shaded terrace corners.

Why Grow Fire Spike?

• Brilliant scarlet-red tubular flower spikes — highly ornamental
• One of the best flowering shrubs for partial shade and dappled light
• Irresistible to butterflies, sunbirds, and hummingbirds
• Long blooming season — flowers prolifically in tropical climates
• Fast-growing and low maintenance once established
• Excellent for borders, hedges, and shaded garden corners

Plant Details

Care Guide

Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade to full sun. Unlike most flowering shrubs, Fire Spike performs exceptionally well in dappled light and shaded garden spots — making it ideal for spots under trees or on north-facing terraces.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water every 2–3 days in summer. Reduce frequency during monsoon. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture.

Soil: Use a humus-rich, well-draining potting mix. Add compost or cocopeat to improve moisture retention and fertility.

Fertilizing: Apply balanced NPK (10-10-10) monthly. Switch to a bloom booster (high phosphorus) during the flowering phase to intensify spike colour and density.

Pruning: Cut back hard after each flowering flush to encourage fresh growth and more flower spikes. Remove dead stems at the base to maintain a tidy, bushy habit.

Pest & Disease Guide

Generally pest-resistant. Watch for aphids on new growth — treat with neem oil spray. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Mealybugs may occasionally appear — remove with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or neem oil.

Landscaping Uses

Exceptional as a shaded border plant, specimen shrub, or informal hedge. Mass plantings of Fire Spike create a dramatic tropical effect. Pairs beautifully with Heliconia, Costus, and Alpinia for a lush tropical garden. Also excellent as a container plant on shaded terraces and balconies.

Shipping & Packaging

Dispatched as a healthy nursery-grown sapling in a secure grow bag. Packed with moisture-retaining media and protective cushioning for safe transit. Ships PAN India.

Kerala orders: ₹80 per kg. Most plants weigh approximately 1 kg packed. Actual shipping charged by packed weight.

Outside Kerala: No refund, replacement or compensation for courier damage, transit stress, delays or plant condition on arrival. Returned shipments due to unavailable customer, incorrect address, refusal, locked premises or courier non-response are non-refundable.

Trust & Commercial

• ✓ Nursery Fresh Plants
• ✓ Healthy Plant Dispatch
• ✓ Secure Packaging
• ✓ Expert Growing Support
• ✓ WhatsApp Assistance Available
• ✓ Bulk Orders Welcome
• ✓ Landscaping Projects Supported
• ✓ Wholesale Supply Available
• ✓ Export Enquiries Welcome
• ✓ Contract Growing Available
• ✓ Private Labelling Available Subject to MOQ
• ✓ Commercial Quotations Available

Legal Disclaimer

Plants are living products and natural variation is expected. Images are representative only. Minor leaf loss, branch damage, transplant shock, colour variation, flowering variation and growth differences are not defects. The buyer/importer is solely responsible for all import permits, quarantine approvals, phytosanitary compliance, customs clearance, duties, taxes and destination-country regulations. Blueberry Botanicals may assist in obtaining export and phytosanitary documents at additional cost where available but does not guarantee customs clearance or import approval. No liability is accepted for customs rejection, seizure, delays, quarantine actions, courier damage, weather damage, plant stress, transit losses or regulatory restrictions. Maximum liability shall never exceed the original purchase value paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fire Spike grow well in Kerala?

Yes — Fire Spike is perfectly suited to Kerala's warm, humid tropical climate. It blooms prolifically and is one of the best shrubs for shaded Kerala gardens.

Can Fire Spike grow in shade?

Yes — this is one of its greatest strengths. Fire Spike thrives in partial shade and dappled light, making it ideal for spots that receive only 3–4 hours of sunlight.

Can I grow Fire Spike in a pot?

Yes. Use a 12–16 inch pot with good drainage. It grows well in containers on shaded terraces and balconies.

Does it attract butterflies?

Absolutely — Fire Spike is one of the top butterfly and sunbird attracting plants. Its tubular red flowers are a magnet for pollinators.

How fast does Fire Spike grow?

Fire Spike is a fast grower in tropical conditions. With regular watering and fertilization, it can reach 1 metre within a single growing season.

What is the HSN code for Fire Spike plant?

HSN code 06029090 — Other live plants, cuttings and slips.

Regulatory Compliance – Live Plants

This product complies with:

• Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003
• Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992
• Export Inspection Council (EIC) of India Guidelines
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (India)
• CITES Regulations (where applicable for protected species)
• Phytosanitary Certificate requirements as per destination country norms
• Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Guidelines