About
A terrestrial bromeliad to 50cm tall, forming a rosette of narrow, grey-green leaves with sharp, curved teeth at the margins. In late summer mature plants may produce a spherical flowerhead from the centre of the rosette, composed of numerous closely arranged pink flowers with orange anthers.
About the genus
Ochagavia are evergreen, terrestrial bromeliads with almost stemless, spreading rosettes of stiff, spiny-toothed leaves. The spherical inflorescence at the centre of the rosette is composed of tubular, red or yellow, flowers followed by green berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toChile
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light with low humidity. In growth water moderately (avoiding the crown) and apply a half-strength, low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly. Outdoors in mild districts grow in sharply drained soil in full sun with protection from winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed as soon as ripe, or by separating offsets in spring and summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free