Fascicularia – bromeliad

Description

Fascicularia – There are about 5 species of stemless or short stemmed, evergreen, xerophytic, terrestrial or epiphytic perennials (bromeliads). They occur in coastal, and central areas, to 1,300′ feet high, in Chile. They produce linear, widely spreading leaves in dense rosettes forming distinct central cups. An inflorescence appears in the center of each rosette, in summer, it has a very short stem and spherical, corymb-like flower head of long lasting, tubular blue flowers, and is followed by ovoid, scaly fruits. They are attractive plants for a desert garden, rock garden, or raised bed, and may also be grown at the base of a warm, sunny wall, or in containers. Where temperatures drop below 36-45 degrees Fahrenheit grow indoors. Indoors, grow in terrestrial bromeliad potting mix in full light with good ventilation. In growth, water moderately, and apple a nitrogen based fertilizer monthly, water sparingly in winter. Divide offsets in spring or summer. Prone to aphids.