About

A slow-growing terrestrial bromeliad that forms dense mounds of spiny-leaved rosttes. Small, tubular green flowers are produced in summer. Grown as a foliage house or conservatory plant in cool climates.

About the genus

A genus of terrestrial or liphophytic (rock-growing) bromeliads. The species in this genus vary between small, mat-forming plants with no flower stalk to larger plants with thick foliage and tube-shaped greenish-yellow to red flowers which appear on stems above the foliage

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toArgentina, Bolivia

Care notes

CultivationGrow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light. Keep almost dry in winter; water moderately at all other times of the year. See bromeliad cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 25°C in spring. Detatch and root rosettes in spring and summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free