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Pitcairnia ringens

Pitcairnia ringens is a terrific, rare Bromeliad discovered in the hills of southern Mexico.  This soil-dwelling species sends up screaming-scarlet flower spikes from Spring through Autumn.  The plant doesn't really look or act like a typical Bromeliad at all.  Unlike many Bromeliads, which have spiny or stiff leaves, its foliage is smooth and grass-like - so it is much "friendlier" in the garden!  This is an easy-to-grow plant for lovers of flamboyant flowers.  It is rare in cultivation and very hard to find.

Pitcairnia ringens

Pitcairnia ringens forms a rosette of evergreen leaves about 2 feet long.  The plants They multiply easily through underground rhizomes, eventually forming a large family of plants.  They look much like ornamental grass when they're not flowering.  When planted in a row along a border, they create a riot of red!  The frilly, bright red flower spikes are about 18 inches tall.  The blooms are long lasting, and the blooming season is very long, with flowers appearing for around half the year.  The flowers are magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies.

Pitcairnia ringens

Pitcairnia ringens comes from about 3000 to 6000 feet elevation in Mexico, where temperatures are a bit cooler than the lowlands.  I know that it can handle temperatures in the mid-80s (30 degrees C), but i have no information on how it will do in warmer conditions, so consider it experimental in hotter climates, especially if nights are warm.  The underground rhizomes can probably handle at least a few degrees of frost, but i recommend protecting the plant from all frost.  It grows well indoors in a pot.  The plant has flowered both in full sun and in full shade, but it seems happiest with about half sun.  Some afternoon shade might be needed in hotter conditions.  This Bromeliad prefers soil that is evenly moist (but not soggy).  Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.  A well-draining soil mix is best, such as a half potting soil and half perlite or coarse sand.

Pitcairnia ringens

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Germination tips for this plant

 

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