How to Grow Red Spike
iNaturalist
Red Spike
Aphelandra squarrosa
shrubRed Spike is a tropical houseplant prized for its striking crimson-red flower spikes that rise above deep green, veined foliage. Native to Brazil, it adds dramatic color and texture to indoor gardens and is commonly grown as a potted ornamental in temperate climates. The plant produces long-lasting inflorescences that can bloom for several weeks.
When should you plant Red Spike in your zone?
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Example Red Spike timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Spike
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Spike
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Spike dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11-12 year-round; zones 3-10 as houseplant indoors
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Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plant with small leaf growth and minimal stem development; foliage is dark green with prominent white veining.
Acclimate to indoor humidity; maintain consistent moisture; avoid moving plant frequently; provide bright indirect light.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksPlant produces robust stems and larger, deeply veined leaves; no flowers yet. Foliage is lush and dark green.
Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier growth; maintain consistent watering and high humidity; feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Pre-Flowering
2-3 weeksPlant shows more compact, dense growth; terminal buds begin to form at stem tips; leaf nodes become closer together.
Maintain bright light to trigger flowering; slightly reduce nitrogen in fertilizer (use phosphorus-rich formula); continue humidity management.
Flowering
3-6 weeks per spikeStriking red flower spikes emerge from terminal buds, standing upright above foliage. Flowers are small, dense tubular blooms arranged in a cone-like inflorescence.
Keep soil evenly moist; maintain high humidity around 50-60%; avoid touching delicate flowers; continue bright indirect light; deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Post-Bloom & Dormancy
4-8 weeksFlower spikes fade and wither; plant may enter a rest period with slower growth and reduced flowering.
Remove spent flower spikes; reduce watering slightly; lower fertilizer frequency; maintain bright light to prepare for next bloom cycle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; use neem oil or horticultural oil spray; isolate infested plant.
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; apply neem oil.
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Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil; apply systemic insecticide if severe.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation.
Uses
Indoor Decoration & Tropical Accent
HouseholdRed Spike serves as a striking focal point in modern interiors, adding tropical flair and bright color to living rooms, offices, and plant collections. Its sculptural red inflorescences create visual interest year-round. [source]
Hummingbird & Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds and bees in outdoor tropical settings, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in warm climates. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftFresh Red Spike flower spikes make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for tropical and exotic floral arrangements, lasting 2-3 weeks in water. [source]
Traditional Brazilian Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional Brazilian folk medicine, Aphelandra species have been used in herbal preparations, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Red Spike is ornamental and not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flower spikes by cutting them at the base to encourage new blooms. Cut stems can be used in floral arrangements while in bloom.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Spike (Aphelandra squarrosa) is native to the Brazilian rainforest, where it grows as an understory shrub in humid, filtered-light conditions.
- 🌱 The plant's dramatic red flower spikes can bloom multiple times per year in optimal conditions, with each spike lasting 3-6 weeks.
- 🌱 The deep veining pattern on the leaves becomes more pronounced with age and proper light conditions, creating an attractive bicolor effect.
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