©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
Billbergia
Plant Common Name
Bromeliad
General Description
There are approximately 50 species of these tropical, epiphytic (tree-dwelling) bromeliads. Native from southern Brazil to northern Mexico, they come in a wide variety of colors and are favorites of many tropical gardeners due to their grace and beauty. The genus was named to honor Swedish botanist, Gustav Billberg. Many species have been hybridized to create lots of new and interesting horticultural forms of Billbergia.
As a group, billbergias have long, slender rosettes with a few leaves that wrap around one another. Flower spikes arise from the inner well of the rosettes. These tend to be pendulous and have colorful bracts. Less conspicuous, tubular flowers extend from the bracts. Bloom time is usually in spring or summer. After flowering, the mother rosette will die but not before forming "pup" plants along the base.
Perfect drainage is essential for these plants, which can be rooted in fern fibers along tropical tree trunks or potted in well-drained growing medium. Partial shade and consistent moisture are essential for best growth and flowering. Be sure to keep the rosette wells filled with clean, non-chlorinated water. Offshoots from the base of parent plants can be removed and replanted as vegetative propagules. When grown in clusters along tree trunks, these showy plants can look quite spectacular.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Evergreen
Yes
