Puya berteroana

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed with low nitrogen feed

Use a houseplant fertiliser that has low nitrogen content. Apply this several times while the plant is in active growth, reduce feeding and then stop feeding when the plant begins to fade, or winter starts.

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-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

Winter-Spring · Indoors

Water lightly in winter

The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.

The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.

Winter · Planting

Apply a protective mulch

Protect with a mulch so that the plant does not become too wet in winter.

A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.

Winter · Planting

Divide plant to maintain size every 5 years

Rhizomes can be divided, or clumps separated, discarding any weak or diseased parts and replanting the remainder. The rhizome sits below the soil.

Outdoors

Feed with low nitrogen feed several times

Apply a feed with low nitrogen content several times while the plant is in active growth.

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.

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

5C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 5 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).