Re: Aechmea recurvata growing conditions

I completely agree with Scott that A. recurvata is
even more colorful if grown in full sun to achieve
best foliage color and tightest form, but full sun
culture requires a bit more care to avoid burning the
foliage in a heat spell or if not watered regularly. 
Most A. recurvata forms in habitat are usually found
closer to ground level or growing on tree trunks in
fairly dense shade of evergreen forest.  They still
show some color in shade, but not as extensive or
deeply colored.

I also have some A. recurvata ortgiesii, A. r.
benrathii, A. r. cardinalis, A. r. recurvata coming
into bloom, and all of them are great for foliage
color as well as blooms as they start blooming.  There
are also quite a few hybrids with other species that
do exceedingly well here.  Aechmea recurvata ortgiesii
which is normally deep green in color, will have the
foliage turn shades of orange and red as it comes into
bloom, and looks a bit like an exploding star, very
showy.  

For locals who might be interested in purchasing
bromeliads, they will be available at the annual
Strybing Arboretum Sale on May 3/4, and again at the
SF County Fair Building for the SF Bromeliad Society
Annual Sale on June 8/9, in conjunction with the SF
Succulent and Cacti Society Sale.  Stop by and say
hello if you are in the area, I will be at both sales
on the first day.


--- WaScott@aol.com wrote:
> David,
> I've three forms of A. recurvata growing in full sun
> in here in Napa 
> California, and several forms of A. nudicaulis, all
> outdoors.  I 've had 
> potted Bromeliads that have handled the winter lows
> here for years, but the 
> snow affected them.
> The recurvatas all seem to color up better at
> blooming time the more sun I 
> give them, in fact var. ortgiesii and 'Red Dragon'
> are coloring up and 
> starting to boom right now.
> Wayne Scott
> wascott@aol.com


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