Bromeliaceae - Botanical Family

Orthophytumis a genus of small evergreen plants usually with 2-5 ft tall and 3 ft wide. It is grown in USDA Zone 9-11 and never withstand frosty temperatures. It should be planted in a semi-shady spot and needs moderate watering. It is an excellent ornamental foliage for container gardens, due to its thorny or spiny foliage.

Although Orthophytum looks quite robust and drought tolerant, it needs adequate care to maintain an attractive and healthy plant. Remember to water it regularly, especially when the weather is hot, and provide some fertilizer in spring when temperatures are warmer and the growth period begins.

In cold regions or areas where frost is possible, Orthophytum should be grown in a pot so that it can be moved indoors or to a protected spot prior to temperatures drop below freezing. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and avoid subjecting the plant to strong winds and drafts. Also, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as it can cause the foliage to discolor and fade.

All the species of this bromeliad genus are endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome, located in southeast Brazil. Orthophytum gurkenii thick leaves are chocolate-brown with broken silver-white zig-zag banding. Orthophytum navioides is a stemless bromeliad that spreads by runners to form clustered rosettes of narrowly of lance shaped, finally toothed, sparsely scaly, thin-leaved red foliage.

Pitcairnia angustifolia is a deciduous perennial shrub that can grow up to 5 ft in height.

This small shrub prefers a sunny or semi-shaded position and prefers a medium to regular watering. It is hardy only to USDA zone 9-11 and may need to be protected from frost during cold winters. It is well adapted to a pot culture and may be treated as an annual in colder regions.

The plant's brilliant red, crimson or vinous colored flowers appear in late spring, occasionally year-round. The leaves are blue-green, broad and elliptic with a soft, velvety texture. Their long petioles are lined up along each other in a densely packed, flattened rosette that looks like a large hoof when not in bloom.

In warmer areas, Pitcairnia angustifolia prefers to be planted in a sunny spot, it will still tolerate some light shade. It typically needs to be watered frequently during its active growth; a soil-less medium with good drainage is recommended as it is sensitive to excess moisture. Feed the plant with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer at ¼ strength occurring every two weeks.

For those trying to cultivate this plant in colder regions, such as North America, you will want to grow it in a container indoors. This ensures the best temperature conditions for survival. Keep the pot in a sunny spot and water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Utilize a soil-less medium with good drainage, as this plant is sensitive to over watering. Further, maintain humidity levels by regular misting or keeping the plant in a terrarium.

Pitcairnia angustifolia is a great ornamental addition to a garden or bright window sill for those looking for something exceptional in flower color. Providing ample sun, well-drained soil, regular water and maintenance of humidity conditions, Pitcairnia angustifolia will continually bring a flowering sensation to your home.

The medium green leaves are soft and the burgundy underside of the leaves make it look almost like a Cordyline.

Pitcairnia is a genus of the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Pitcairnioideae.

Almost all Pitcairnias are terrestrial or saxicolous, and prefer moist areas. However, many are found growing epiphytically in trees.

Species:

Pitcairnia arcuata

Pitcairnia maidifolia

Pitcairnia sanguinea

Puya alpestris (Sapphire Tower) is a small shrub native to Chile that grows to heights of 2-5 feet. It is best grown in USDA Zone: 9-11 and can withstand mild frost when mature. It requires full sun or semi-shade and moderate water. Its electric-blue, lavender, and purple flowers are a true sight to behold. The ornamental foliage is sure to add interest to any garden and is a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds alike.

When planting Puya alpestris, it is important to keep in mind that these plants require excellent drainage in order to prevent root rot. It is suggested to plant in sandy or gravelly soils for this reason. If planting in colder regions, consider planting in a container and bring it inside during the winter months. Once established, the mature plants can endure cold temperatures of up to 30°F for short periods of time. However, if the temperature drops significantly lower, the plant may suffer frost damage. After the last frost of the season it's recommended to cover the plant when temperatures drop below 40°F at night.

For optimum growth and health, keep the soil of your Puya alpestris lightly moist throughout the summer. Once established, it has very low water requirements. If allowed to dry out, it may take some time for it to recover. As far as feeding is concerned, applying slow release fertilizer in the spring will help your Puya alpestris thrive.

Taking these simple steps will ensure that your Puya alpestris stays healthy, happy, and in bloom throughout the summer. With its astonishingly vibrant blooms and its easy maintenance, Puya alpestris is an ideal choice for any garden.

The plant genus Tillandsia, a member of the Bromeliad family Bromeliaceae, is found in the deserts, forests and mountains of Central and South America, and Mexico and the southern United States in North America. The thinner leafed varieties grow in rainy areas and the thick leafed varieties in areas more subject to drought. Nutrients are gathered from the air (dust, decaying leaves and insect matter) through structures on the leaves called trichomes. Tillandsia species are epiphytes, i.e. in nature they normally grow on other plants, without being parasitic, and they grow without soil, growing instead on trees, rocks and cliffs. Reproduction is by offsets called "pups". A single plant could have a dozen pups which can be removed and grown alone or left to form a colony.

Read more about Tillandsia sp.

Tillandsias, also known as air plants, are excellent for growing in pots in cold regions such as USDA Zone 8-11. They can be cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time, and come in many different varieties that can grow to different heights, depending on the species. Some prefer semi-shade and others require more direct sunlight.

Tillandsias are known for being the world's most unusual airplants, and are a delightful addition to any greenhouse. They are easy to care for, exotic to look at, and interesting to study. Unlike other bromeliads, Tillandsias are air plants, much like vandaceous orchids. They have developed the ability to take all their food and water through specially designed cells on their leaves, and can therefore exist without any roots.

While roots are used by most species to attach themselves, Tillandsias can grow in places no other plants can survive, including on electrical cables on power lines. They prefer light airy conditions and daily misting in areas of low humidity. They must be brought into protection from any freeze, but a light frost will not usually damage them. The greener and softer varieties like a little more water and shade. Any can be grown in your sunniest indoor area.

All Tillandsia plants require regular misting waterings and offer a range of vibrant color displays. Pink, white, off-white, red, crimson, vinous, yellow, and orange flowers can be seen on some of the varieties. Proper growing and plant care can ensure that your Tillandsia will thrive and offer a beautiful, long-lasting display of foliage and flowers for years to come.

Enjoy your Tillandsia plant for years of blooming and pupping with good light, fresh air, and adequate but not overabundant watering, particularly in cooler weather.

Beautiful species, very slow growing, but is easy to take care of. It loves sunshine and will take regular watering as long as the water won't stand in rosette, but can stand some drought quite well. This plant grows epiphytically on trees and on rocks in at elevations of 600 to 1,800 feet. Its silvery gray leaves, sometimes almost white, wide at the base and tapering to a point, make an attractive, sculptural rosette, 3 feet or more in diameter and 3 feet high in flower. The inflorescence, on a thick, green stem, from 6 to 15 inches in height, densely branched. The leaf bracts are rosy red; the floral bracts are chartreuse; and the petals of the tubular flowers are red to purple. Xerographica is a slow growing species with very long lasting blooms (months). The plant is currently on the CITES list of endangered species, therefore import/export restrictions apply.