Alcantarea imperialis (Imperial bromeliad, Giant vriesea)

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Plant description

Alcantarea imperialis is an epiphytic bromeliad with funnel shaped rosettes of pale reddish green leaves. It is the largest of Vrieseas, with red flower spikes up to 2 metres tall and leaves to 1.5 metres long. The plant likes to have the central funnel filled with water, which can be home to frogs and tadpoles.

Vriesea likes a bright to lightly shaded position, with some morning or afternoon sun. This plant likes some humidity, a regular spray of water will be appreciated. Likes a regular potting mix, orchid mix or can be grown epiphytically on trees or rocks. Keep moist but not wet, but can tolerate some dryness. Too much water in the root zone can cause rotting. Feed in spring and summer with a weak liquid fertiliser.

Propagation is by division of the small offsets called pups.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: red and white
Flowering season: summer autumn

Plant size

Maximum height: 5 metres
Minimum height: 3 metres

Maximum width: 1.5 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Frogs, insects.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: not specified.

Sand: moist, well-drained.

Diseases

Fungal rot in too wet conditions

Pests

Scale

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Any.

Types of fertiliser: Half strength liquid fertiliser.

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