Firespike grows to about 2 meters (6 feet) with individual, seldom branching stems that arise from the root system. Each year firespike is a little wider, new stems appear around those from the previous year. Although it grows large, the plant is herbaceous or a subshrub since it does not produce true wood. These bushy plants prefer moist, but well-drained soils and grow equally well in sun and mottled shade.

Firespike blooms sporadically through the year, but it is most stunning when other flowers are winding down for winter dormancy. From October often through December, the flowers catch passing hummingbirds and lingering butterflies.

(Compiled from: "Odontonema", A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, C. Brickell and J.D. Zuk, American Horticultural Society, DK Publishing, NY, 1996; "Odontonema cuspidatum (Nees) Kuntze", John K. Francis, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, Forest Service, USDA)