The Alcantarea imperialis 'Silver Plum' is a stunning giant Bromeliad that can reach a height of 1.5m and a width of 1.5m. The plant has large strappy foliage in a rosette pattern. The thick glossy greenish silver leaves have purple undersides.
This plant can be grown outdoors in direct sun or part-shade, with the deeper colours developing in direct sun. The plant can also be grown indoors in an area with very bright light. A combination of its fantastic colour and majestic size makes it an incredible feature plant to any landscape or indoor area.
Alcantarea are slow-growing plants, and this is reflected in the higher price tag. This exotic looking plant grows for 10-20 years, after which it will produce a large flower spike growing up to 3 m in height, filled with small, fragrant 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.
Pro tip: (1) Because the plant is slow growing, leaves damaged by hailstorms will take months to years to be replaced by younger leaves. For outdoor areas, it is a clever idea to place them in spots that are protected from heavy hailstorm damage like under a shade tree or undercover. (2) Read the watering instructions below. Add a drop of oil or spent coffee grounds in the central vase if the water gets infested with mosquitoes.
Light requirement: Full Sun and Part sun/part shade
Water requirement: Low
Watering frequency:
Soil: Well-draining
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Slow
Suitable for containers: Yes
More info:
External links to more info:
Drought tolerance: Medium
Frost tolerance: Low
Wind tolerance: Medium
Disease and pest susceptibility:
Mature height:
Mature width:
Suitable for shaping: No
Colour: Glossy greenish silver leaves with purple undersides
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: No
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