Fascicularia bicolor
Bicolored giant bromeliad
Also known as Fascicularia andina
- Height × spread
- 0.45m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This curious spiky plant, that often goes unnoticed till it flowers is a bromeliad. It comes from Chile where its natural home is in exposed areas near the ocean where it may establish itself in soil, or even live on rocks on a cliff face. It is somewhat grass-like in its superficial appearance. The leaves are coloured green and are rigid and spiny to the touch. It makes large rosettes and its heart flames dramatically crimson towards the end of summer. This signifies that it is flowering, although the flowers themselves are insignificant, small, pale blue and surrounded by ivory white bracts at the very centre of the rosette. Give this a spot that is very well drained and sunny. It doesn't like to be wet in winter and may not survive prolonged periods of cold and frost.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.45m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Indoors, Gravel garden, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Gravelly soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline
- Drainage
- Dry soil, Dry and shady soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves are prickly
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring · Indoors
Feed with low nitrogen feed
Occasionally while the plant is in growth, apply a specialist cactus feed that is low in nitrogen.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a low value.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water to keep soil moist
Water regularly, but do not leave the plant sodden or with water in a saucer at its feet. It likes to be dry during the winter months.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water after 2 weeks of no rain
Established plants in the ground enjoy dry or well drained soil, but don't survive long periods without water. When there's been no rain for a fortnight, do a deep water. Repeat after 1-2 weeks when the soil has dried out. Check plants in pots more often.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water lightly during dormancy
The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Bromeliad (terrestrial) compost for repotting
These grow in soil, often in arid, dry areas. Standard compost mixes are often available or substitute with an orchid compost.
If making one's own compost, use a loam based compost (John Innes no. 1) with equal amounts of fine (horticultural) grit.
Indoor temperature · Planting
10C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, close to window
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).