This Genus of Bromeliad contains 17 species, all of which are native to Eastern Brazil. The Alcantarea gets its name from Dom Pedro d'Alcântara, the second Emperor or Brazil. Alcantarea is a group of extremely large Bromeliads, some reaching sizes of 1.5m across with flower spikes 2.5m high. In their natural habitat they are often found perched on the beautiful high rocky cliffs of Brazil.
Care Alcantarea require an extremely free draining soil but are fairly tolerant of most positions and some are even frost hardy. Most varieties will take either full sun, or part shade,the best colours are usually achieved in full sun or very light shade. Foliar feeding with a liquid fertiliser produces the best results, Thrive, Harvest, Maxicrop or Seasol and Powerfeed are the best choices.
Varieties The most common species of Alcantarea in cultivation are.......
A. geniculata - Reaches a span of 1m with wide glossy green leaves. The flower spike features deep pink bracts and can grow up to 1m in height. Can be grown in full sun, shade, frost hardy and tolerant of salty sea breeze.
A. imperialis - A real giant, 1.5m wide with a flower spike full of tiny white flowers which can reach 2.5m in height. This size takes around 10 years to achieve. Leaves are slightly ribbed and have a leathery texture, a red and a purple variety are available.
A. odorata - Slightly smaller than others in than its siblings, it doesn't quite reach a metre in width. Made up of numerous slender green leaves with a faint silver band and a cover of white waxy powder. The flowers spike has red bracts and features fragrant flowers.
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