Care Tips
Habit: A medium to slow growing perennial up to 50 cm tall producing green and yellowish green leaves in a rosette and purple to purplish pink flowers on long stalks that arise from the centre of the leaf rosette.
Temperature: Plants grow best between 15 to 25ᐤ C and temperatures below 4ᐤ C may result in the death of the plant. Avoid placing plants in windy or drafty locations which can lead to less attractive plants.
Light Exposure: Shade - ideally a bright location but not exposed to sunlight.
Watering: Plants do better using purified or rainwater (the calcium from groundwater gradually will kill plants); pour water into the centre of the leaf rosette and top it up as the water disappears (approximately once per week in the rainy season and cold, dry season but twice a week during the hot dry season).
Fertilising: Give plants a half strength organic fertiliser or compost tea once a month except during the cold dry season. Note: the use of chemical fertilisers can be too strong and can kill the plants.
Pruning/Repotting: Remove dead, dry leaves and spent flower stalks as needed. Bromeliads generally have small root systems but should be repotted when the plants are crowded in the pot.
Pests/Diseases: Plants are relatively pest and disease free but can occasionally be attacked by Aphids, Thrips, Weevils, Scale insects, Mealy bug and Whitefly.