Alcanterea
(al-can-tare'ee-ah)
Discover the grandeur of Alcantarea, a genus of striking bromeliads known for their impressive size and breathtaking beauty. Native to the mountainous regions of Brazil, Alcantarea plants are a true testament to the wonders of tropical flora. These majestic plants feature large rosettes and vibrant foliage, making them a focal point in any garden. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to tropical gardening, our selection of Alcantarea offers something for everyone, from the popular Alcantarea imperialis to the unique Alcantarea P.I.T.A.
Alcantarea plants are celebrated for their robust growth and spectacular inflorescences, which can reach towering heights. Their broad, arching leaves create a dramatic display, perfect for adding a touch of the exotic to your outdoor space. These hardy plants are relatively low-maintenance, thriving in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight.
Care Tips:
- Light: Provide bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth, will grow in full sun but may burn in the hotter Summer months depending on location.
- Water: Keep the central tank filled with water and maintain evenly moist soil.
- Soil: Use well-draining, organic-rich soil.
- The Aurora Alcantarea is a majestic bromeliad with a wide spread of up to 1.5 meters, featuring moss-green leaves with cream margins and a red edge in bright light. The silver cross-banding and red-tinted pups add to its allure, while its tall, variegated inflorescence makes a striking statement. A Brazilian beauty with an enigmatic history, nurtured and named in Australia.
- The Alcantarea 'Bobby Gold' is a stunning variegated bromeliad from Queensland, featuring a large rosette with yellow-striped variegation and green margins. Its impressive, upright inflorescence can reach two meters, making it a spectacular focal point for any plant collection or garden display.
- The 'Bruce Dunstan' Alcantarea, hailing from Queensland, is a variegated spectacle with a wide rosette up to 1.5 meters, central white variegation, and a powdery white underside. Its tall, branched spike with striped white flowers celebrates its unique glaziouana lineage.
- 'Chubby Girl' is a robust Alcantarea hybrid with a generous rosette of purple-green leaves, subtly edged in pink. Developed by George Stamatis in Australia, this bromeliad is a testament to the beauty of cultivar artistry, bringing depth and character to any garden setting.
- The Alcantarea extensa is a striking Brazilian bromeliad, reaching 1.5 meters with light green, silver-banded leaves. Its towering 2-meter flower spike, adorned with golden yellow flowers, makes for a long-lasting tropical display, ideal for pots or garden beds.
- The 'Faery Dust' Alcantarea enchants with its silvery blue-green foliage and striking white crossbands, especially on the underside. With a weeping form that matures to over one meter, this Brazilian beauty adds a sprinkle of magic and elegance to any garden.
- Alcantarea 'John Stoddard' is a variegated marvel from Brazil, with striking yellow and green foliage. Discovered in Barra da Tijuca and stabilized by Rafael Oliveira, this bromeliad is a living tribute to both its discoverer and the rich biodiversity of its native land.
- Alcantarea 'Merlot' is an exquisite bromeliad hybrid with deep red wine tones, akin to the finest merlot. A lush addition from Hawaii, it's perfect for tropical settings, growing to an expansive 120cm square silhouette, ideal for making a dramatic statement in any garden.
- Odorata Alcantarea, a giant among bromeliads, showcases leathery, pale green to silver leaves that form a striking rosette up to 1.5 meters wide. With a majestic flower spike reaching 1.8 meters, this plant is a hardy and fragrant addition, perfect for indoor or outdoor display.
- Enhance your garden with the Alcantarea P.I.T.A., a striking large rosette plant. Its creamy-white edged leaves create a stunning visual, growing up to 1.5 meters wide and 75 cm high. This Brazilian native, with its impressive 2-meter tall flowering spike, adds an exotic touch to any landscape. Perfect for collectors and garden enthusiasts, it transforms spaces into lush, tropical paradises. It is ideal for creating a focal point in your garden.
- The 'Silver Plum' Alcantarea is a dramatic, large bromeliad with deep purple-red leaves and a potential 2-meter flower spike. Perfect for creating a bold statement in full sun, it is as hardy as it is beautiful, suitable for both indoor elegance and outdoor grandeur.
- Alcantarea 'White Star' is a stunning Queensland cultivar with a vast 1.5-meter diameter rosette, grey-green leaves with dramatic white edges, and a distinctive triangular shape. A sibling to 'Yellow Star' and others, it's a serene yet striking choice for any garden.
- The 'Yellow Star' Alcantarea offers a burst of sunshine with its creamy-yellow edged leaves and a substantial 1.5-meter diameter rosette. A Queensland cultivar, this bromeliad is a seed-raised star among its grex siblings, perfect for adding a touch of warmth to any setting.