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Bromeliad Island Garden

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Alcantarea Imperialis

Alcantarea Imperialis

• ​Common name: Alcantarea Imperialis
• Scientific name: Alcantarea imperialis
  
• Family name: Bromeliaceae
  
• Origin: Brazil​
• Height: 2 to 4 ft
  
• Width: 3 to 5 ft
  
• Growth: Slow
  
• Zone: USDA Zones 10 through 11
  
• Light needs: Full sun to part shade.
  
• Salt tolerance: Low
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers free-draining, rocky soil. Tolerant of poor soil.
  
• Moisture: Should be watered occasionally to fill up the tank. The soil should remain dry or slightly moist. Tolerant of high humidity.
  
• Drought tolerance: Moderate
  
• Pests/Diseases: Root rot may occur if overwatered. Mosquitoes may breed in the tank if it is not flushed out regularly.
  
• Growing conditions: This terrestrial bromeliad is adapted to grow on rocky slopes, so it needs freely draining soil. Wet soil can cause a host of problems including root rot. The roots do not absorb water. Rather, water is absorbed through the cup formed in the center of the plant. This cup should be flushed and refilled regularly to remove bacteria. Unlike other bromeliads, it can tolerate full sun as well as shade, and sunnier conditions are noted to produce a more intense leaf color.
  
• Characteristics: Known to reach up to 5 ft tall with 10 ft tall flower spikes, the imperial bromeliad is one of the largest in the world. As with other bromeliads, the leaves grow in a rosette around the center of the plant. This forms a tank which is used to collect and absorb water and nutrients. The leaves are oblong with acuminate, drooping apexes and entire margins. Leaf color is usually bluish green Bromeliaceaeon the upper side and deep magenta on the underside, though this can vary between individuals. The inflorescence may take a few decades to appear. The inflorescence consists of a tall, red flower stalk with several long, tubular, spindly yellow flowers radiating off of it. The flowers are usually accompanied by several red bracts. After flowering, the plant will begin to decline, producing several offsets before it dies.
  
• Propagation: By offsets.
  
• Wildlife: The tank is an important habitat for frogs and insects. Hummingbirds and insects are attracted to the flowers.
  
• Facts: The tank can hold over 30 liters of water.
  
• Designer considerations: Its large size makes it a great decoration for open spaces, where it makes a wonderful centerpiece. Pair it with plants that have denser or more dissected foliage. If one can find a large enough container for it, it can be a showy porch plant.