My latest acquisition to the sand pile given to me by my daughter is this Aechmea Gamsepala or Matchstick Bromeliad. It resembles the old wooden matches hence the name.
This guy comes from South Brazil and is more cold tolerant than most Bromelaids. I read an article where they grow this Bromeliad up at the Jacksonville Zoo Gardens in North Florida outdoors. North East Florida gets its fair share of cold and freezes during the winter and apparently this is one Bromelaid that can survive there.
The flower as you can see is a bright pink with an vivid electric blue tip.The Matchstick Bromeliad only grows to about a foot tall.
Besides tolerating the cold better it is also drought tolerant and can be used in a xeriscape garden. It is considered hardy in zones 9 -11.
As with most all Bromeliads they propagate by offshoots or pups from the parent plant. I have taken three pups from this plant today and made separate containers with each. So my original gift has now turned into four plants.I have to admit that I really like this Bromeliad because of the unusual vivid colors. It and it's three pups will make a welcome addition to my outside garden.
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I have this bromeiliad too, but my leaves are variegated. I love the colours, this was my first bromeliad!
ReplyDeleteHow long is its bloom period? Very striking color.
ReplyDeleteafricanaussie,
ReplyDeleteYou and I can grow many of the same plants because we are opposite geographical images of each other. Brisbane Australia is latitude 27 degrees south of the equator. Ft Lauderdale Florida is 26.4 latitude north of the equator.You start winter around June 21st and I start summer. Your summer starts around December 21st when my winter starts.We are identical only directly opposite. cool huh!
Jim,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how long the blooms last yet but I am intrigued by the electric colors it displays.
I don't have this bromelaid- yet. I have a lot, but not this one. It is charming.
ReplyDeleteJanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree it is subtle in size but charming in it's display.Hope your plants came out ok with the snow storm. Thanks for stopping by.