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The Plant: A
bromeliad, forming a tight rosette of pale green, strap-like
leaves, from which arises a slender spike bearing deep pink/red
bracts issuing a cascade of small green and purple flowers.
Its needs:
Billbergia enjoys strong light with free air circulation. Pot in a
sandy mix, where possible adding bark chips or charcoal to increase
drainage.
Care:
In hot dry conditions the leaves may turn brown, mist spray leaves to
reduce this. Avoid any sudden drop in temperature. The rosette of
leaves forms a central reservoir, which should constantly contain
water. Feed every 10-14 days following with a good soaking.
As the plant grows, it will produce
new plantlets growing at base of main plant. These can be cut away and
potted up in a coarse sandy mix. Susceptible to Scale pest on underside
of leaves. Treat with insecticide.
Good for:
Easy to grow, very popular.
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