About
A type of bromeliad which grows as an epiphytic plant in its natural habitat, but can be grown as an easy to care for houseplant, with thick stems and rosettes of long, leathery, glossy, strap-like green foliage which changes to fiery pinkish-red when exposed to sunlight. Small, purple flower bracts may appear from the centre of the rosettes on mature plants during the summer.
About the genus
A genus of bromeliad with rosettes of long, strap-like, glossy green leaves which can be toothed and variegated and may turn shades of red, purple and pink when exposed to high levels of light. Plants may produce red, purple or white flowers in the autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a free-draining, peat-free compost containing grit or sand in a sheltered location in a consistent temperature of around 60-85°F (15-29°C). Feed with a balanced fertiliser monthly in spring and summer. See bromeliad cultivation or houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by offsets taken from the base of the plant, once they are at least a third of the size of the parent plant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free