Bromeliad 'Alcantarea regina'

Alcantarea regina is a large terrestrial bromeliad endemic to Southeastern Brazil. The rosette of this species could grow to one and a half meters in diameter when mature. Without inflorescence, this plant reaches one to one and a half meters in height. Due to the shape and positioning of the leaves, this plant could contain more than 40 liters of water. This species is considered as one of the biggest species of bromeliad in the world. After many years this plant is able to produce an inflorescence of more than three meters high. The flowers are bright yellow and mainly pollinated by bats. Propagation is done by detaching pups that form at the base of the plant.

Alcantarea regina grows in rocky terrains from sea level to up to 1400 meters in altitude. This plant prefers a warm and relatively humid environment. This species is able to tolerate colder conditions down to 12 degrees Celsius, but frost should be avoided. Place this plant in bright light conditions, only avoiding direct harsh sunlight in the middle of summer. Use an excellent draining and coarse medium and make sure that the plant is not potted too deep. Water this plant directly in the rosette so that water always stays between the leaves. The root system functions only as anchorage as the leaves absorb water and nutrients. Provide this plant with subscribed orchid fertilizer in spring and summer.