Alcantarea Rubra

• Native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, Alcantarea Rubra is one of the most colourful bromeliads in cultivation.
• Forms large rosettes up to 1.5 metres across with thick, succulent-like leaves that turn deep red in optimal conditions.
• Monocarpic plant that flowers once in its lifetime after 5-10 years, producing a spectacular branched flower spike.
• Highly prized by collectors for its dramatic colour transformation and impressive size at maturity.
• Epiphytic in nature, growing on rocks and trees in its native habitat, making it adaptable to various growing conditions.

• Water weekly in summer, fortnightly in winter, filling the central cup and watering soil until drainage occurs.
• Position in bright, filtered light indoors or morning sun with afternoon shade outdoors in Australian conditions.
• Use well-draining potting mix with added orchid bark and perlite for optimal root health.
• Feed monthly with diluted liquid fertiliser during spring and summer growing season only.
• Remove spent flower spikes at the base and divide offsets when they reach one-third the size of the parent plant.
• Maintain consistent humidity and protect from temperatures below 10°C during winter months.

• Provide bright, indirect light indoors or filtered morning sun outdoors - too much direct sun can fade the red colouring.
• Water the central cup and soil separately, keeping soil slightly moist but never waterlogged during growing season.
• Maintain humidity above 50% with regular misting or humidity trays, especially important in air-conditioned rooms.
• Keep temperatures between 18-28°C year-round and protect from cold drafts and frost.
• Reduce watering in winter months and stop fertilising when temperatures drop below 15°C.

• Scale insects can attach to leaf bases - remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs and improve air circulation around the plant.
• Crown rot occurs from water sitting in the central cup too long - empty standing water regularly and reduce watering frequency in cooler months.
• Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity or fluoride in tap water - use rainwater when possible and increase humidity with pebble trays.
• Mealybugs hide in leaf crevices - treat with neem oil spray and isolate affected plants to prevent spread.