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Turquoise Puya

 

Puya chilensis

Puya chilensis

Growing tips

Getting started -- You can start your plant in a pot about 5 inches (13 cm) wide.  If you are in a hotter climate, use an oversized pot to keep the roots cooler.

Soil -- It prefers fast draining soil, similar to cactus mix.  I use a mix of about 2 parts coco fiber to 3 parts perlite.  An alternate mix is 3 parts quality potting soil to 2 parts perlite or coarse horticultural sand.  In wet-winter areas, use extra perlite or sand.

 For the first 2-3 weeks after repotting, shade it from strong sun, and don't feed it.  After that, increase the sun exposure a little each week, watching for burning.

 The first month after repotting, make sure the original soil ball stays moist (not just the new soil).

 Growing onward....

Water -- While it can tolerate dry soil, it grows best when the roots are kept evenly moist most of the time. 

Light -- It enjoys mostly sunny conditions.  In hotter conditions, it might need some afternoon shade if it shows signs of stress.  

Climate -- Larger plants reportedly can take take winter temperatures of 20°F (-7°C).  I recommend protecting your plants from frost for at least the first winter or two.  It will probably flower soonest if protected from prolonged, hard frosts.

 In hot conditions, it may help to keep the roots cooler by shading the pot, perhaps by placing it inside a second pot made of clay, filling in any extra space with soil.

Feeding -- It has moderate fertilizer needs.  Feed about every 2-3 months with a general-purpose fertilizer that contains micronutrients.

 General tips about the plant are here.

 Have fun growing it!

- Jeff

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