Alcantarea are a large growing group of bromeliads reaching up to 2m depending on species.
Alcantarea imperialis, geniculata, extensa, edmondoi and vinicolor are all popular species readily available for sale.
The genus Alcantarea is still being defined however they are a genus of perhaps only 20 species and are closely closely related to Vriesea.
General Alcantarea Care
A free drawing soil or potting mix is essential for these cliff dwelling plants from Brazil.
Depending on the species, they will grow in full sun to part shade, however if you want the best foliage colour then you will need a good amount of strong light.
For example A.rubra will develop the best red foliage in good sun to around 6 hours a day as a minimum.
- Climate Zones
Alcantarea will grow in a range of climate zones from tropical to cool temperate. They do not like frosts and freezes. A daytime temperature form 20c to 30c is ideal for most. High humidity is also ideal. However they will grow in cooler temperatures. - Sun/Light
All prefer bright light, indirect light and some direct sun. - Watering
These are a ‘tank type’ bromeliads and although they do not require a lot of water, having water in the central tank is recommended for best growth. Use rain water of distilled water is best for this.
The growing medium however should never be wet and soggy. - Fertiliser
A lot of fertiliser is not required, a small application of a slow release organic fertiliser once a year will adequate. - Pot Size
The root system of Alcantarea is not large so they will grow well in small pots, over potting is a mistake as this can cause root problems.
Alcantarea Propagation
Alcantarea will die after flowering, however they will have sent out pups or offshoots by this time, and once they do its time to divide and propagate.
Removal of pups or offsets is the easiest method of propagation.
Removal of pups or offsets is the easiest method of propagation.
Two types of pups appear, those between the leaves and those at the edges of the base of the plant.
- Wait until the flower fades and then look for offsets at the base of the plant. At this stage after flowering the mother plant will start to die back.
- Larger offsets around 1/3 the size of the parent plant are best and are easier to remove.
- Carefully detach the offsets and repot.
- Maintain warmth and high humidity for at least 6 weeks.
- Removing pups growing on stems is a little more tricky. You need to leave enough stem for success. Afgain wait until they are a good size.
Propagation is also possible from seeds and commercial propagation is often by tissue culture.
Species and Hybrids
Bromeliads are a large genus and all species are from tropical to sub tropical areas of the Americas except for Pitcairnia feliciana which is from Central Guinea in West Africa.
- Genus
Bromeliads come from around 80 different genus - Species
Over 3500 Bromeliad species - Alcantarea species
Around 20 species in the Alcantarea genus
We also have:
- Sports – These show difference in structure to the mother plant
- Hybrids – These are a cross between species of the same genus
- Intergeneric hybrids – These are a cross between species that belong to a different genus.
Species and Care
Most species are from Brazil and many grow in the mountains so they can stand cooler night temperatures. The only real problem is that the taller growers can get really tall, can fall over.
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ with its brilliant red foliage is perhaps one of the most outstanding landscaping varieties.
Look for species such as the smaller growing A. vinicolor, a smaller growing type that grows well in a sunny position. A. odorata is an interesting species with lighter grey / green leaves that are, as the name suggests, fragrant and droop nicely, looks great in a pot or container.
Other Populular species include : A. regina, A. geniculata, A.extensa, A. heloisae, A.glaziouna and A.brasiliana, many available for sale from specialist growers.
More Bromeliad Species
Alcantarea Bromeliad Plants for sale online in Australia
507 Belgrave-Gembook Rd, Cockato, Victoria, 3781
Ferns and Tree Ferns, Tasmanian Tree Ferns. Ferns and Bromeliads on Tree Fern Backing Boards, Bromeliads, Kangaroo Paw, Sphagnum Moss, Hypoestes Phyllostachya, Phalaenopsis.
www.ferngardens.com.au