Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra' (Giant/Imperial Bromeliad)

Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra' (Giant/Imperial Bromeliad)

Regular price $75.90
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Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra' has a large rosette shape growing to about 1.5m tall and wide. The thick broad leaves are greenish grey with maroon undersides. The reddish colour turns deeper in colder (frost-free) climates. The Alcantarea Rubra is a hardy plant that tolerates a variety of climatic conditions. It is also a versatile plant that can be used indoors and outdoors with different light conditions. It does well in containers or planted in the ground, looking awesome in large decorative pots. It's incredible size and colour make it an amazing feature plant. This imperialis bromeliad is a very slow-growing plant which is reflected in the higher price tag. This exotic looking plant grows for 10-20 years, after which it will produce a large red flower spike growing up to 3 m in height, filled with small, fragrant yellow flowers. The flower spike will last for about a year, but after that unfortunately the majestic mother plant will die. But it would have left behind many pups. 

Light requirement: Full Sun, Part sun/part shade, and Bright indirect sunlight

Water requirement: Low

Watering frequency: Ensure the 'central vase' is always topped up with water. If grown indoors, replace this water at least once a month to ensure it does not rot.

Soil: Well-draining

Skill level: Beginner

Growth rate: Slow

Suitable for containers: Yes

More info: (1) Because the plant is slow-growing, leaves damaged by hail storms will take months to years to be replaced by younger leaves. For outdoor areas, it is a good idea to place them in spots that are protected from heavy hail storm damage like under a shade tree or undercover.
(2) Add a drop of oil or spent coffee grounds in the central vase if the water gets infested with mosquitoes. 

External links to more info:

Drought tolerance: Medium

Frost tolerance: Low

Wind tolerance: Medium

Disease and pest susceptibility: Generally trouble-free, but can be affected by mealybugs, scale

Mature height: 1.5 m

Mature width: 1.5 m

Suitable for shaping: No

Colour: Maroon, green, grey

Variegation: No

Size: Large

Seasonality: Evergreen

Flowering: Yes; but primarily grown for it's foliage

Flower colour: Yellow, Red, Orange

Flower fragrant: Yes

Flowering season: A bromeliad will bloom only once throughout its lifespan following which the mother plant will die back, but its pups will continue to grow.

Fruit:

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