Burning spike in flower

Credit: Dr. Alexey Yakovlev

Aphelandra aurantiaca flower

Credit: Melissa McMasters

Aphelandra aurantiaca leaf

Credit: William Coville

Aphelandra aurantiaca, the fiery ear of corn

Aphelandra aurantiaca is a tropical plant in the Acanthaceae family. It grows from Guatemala to Venezuela, at the edge of forests and along streams. Its incandescent blooms and silvery-veined foliage make it a rare and spectacular houseplant.

How to recognize Aphelandra aurantiaca?

Aphelandra aurantiaca is an herbaceous plant with a bushy habit. It can grow to over a metre in height, even in pots.

The oldest stems lignify, transforming Aphelandra aurantiaca into a shrub. Tetrangular or cylindrical, they are hairless and have a velvety texture.

The elliptical leaves are ten to twenty centimetres long and five to ten centimetres wide. They are dark green with silvery veins, whereas those of aphelandra squarrosa are white or cream.

Foliage isn't Aphelandra aurantiaca's only attraction. In summer, it is adorned withflamboyant spikes. These reach a height of 20 centimetres and feature interlocking bracts and tubular flowers. Their red or orange color inspired the plant's common name.

Flowering lasts 40 to 50 days. It gives way to the fruits, capsules about fifteen centimetres long containing four seeds covered with a fine down.

Fiery spike is non-toxic. It is sometimes used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial properties.

Our maintenance tips

Aphelandra aurantiaca are reserved for experienced gardeners. To keep them alive, you'll need to find the right balance of watering, light and heat.

Watering

The substrate must always be kept moist. Water with non-calcareous water at room temperature. You can use rainwater or demineralized water.

Your Burning spike appreciates abundant watering. The amount of water should correspond to the size of the pot.

After watering, drain off any stagnant water in the saucer. It will rot the roots.

Spray

In addition to regular watering, misting prevents the plant from drying out due to heat in summer and heating in winter.

Aphelandra aurantiaca do not like hard water. Preferrainwater or filtered water.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Aphelandra aurantiaca to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Obtain a perforated pot. Line the bottom with a bed of clay balls or gravel to promote drainage.

For the substrate, you can use houseplant potting soil mixed with sand. Pour a layer and plant aphelandra aurantiaca in the center. Add potting soil around the edges and tamp down.

Water with room-temperature water to expel air bubbles and facilitate rooting.

To increase humidity, place your pot on a saucer filled with moist clay balls.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Apply a flowering plant fertilizer diluted with water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid burning the foliage.

Cleaning

To promote photosynthesis, remove any dust that accumulates on the leaves with a feather duster or a clean, damp cloth.

Prune

Remove wilted leaves usinga clean, sharp tool.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Cut a stem about ten centimeters long, just above a node. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. In some specimens, stems lignify over time.

When you take your cutting, choose a portion that is still supple and will root easily.

Pour a mixture of potting soil and sand into a pot whose hole has been plugged with a pebble. Push half the stem of your cutting into the center without watering.

Place the pot in a mini greenhouse; if you don't have one, you can cover the plant with a translucent bag or a cut bottle. Place your graft in a bright spot, without direct sunlight.

Every day, aerate for a few minutes to drain off condensation and mist.

Wintering

The plant needs a winter period to flower from one year to the next.

Reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Place your plant in a room that is four or five degrees cooler. But remember, the temperature must always remain above 15°.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Acanthaceae - Acanthaceae
Type	Aphelandra - Aphelandra
Species	Burning spike - Aphelandra aurantiaca
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Shrub Interior Herbaceous Flowery
Tags	Flowery Fritillary Soiffarde
Origins	Central America South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit color