Family: Bromeliaceae

This genus of around 260 species of grass-like bromeliads is from the tropical Americas, the West Indies and West Africa. Most are terrestrial plants, forming mounds of foliage, from which appear stems of long-lasting flowers in red, orange or yellow. The long, narrow leaves are almost spineless in some species, but many are heavily spired.

Species

These are not readily available outside their countries of origin.

P. corallina, from Colombia and Peru, is hard to grow, but produces trailing clusters of lovely, red flowers. It grows to 1 m (3 ft).

P. flammea grows well in fairly heavy shade. It has narrow, spineless, sword-shaped leaves up to 90 cm (36 in), long and soft scarlet flower spikes. P. paniculata has large, erect sprays of striking, red and yellow flowers, borne on long, slightly drooping stems. It is fast growing in spring.

Cultivation

Grow in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in pots of soilless potting compost. Plants need good light (but shade from direct sun), and a humid atmosphere. Keep plants only slightly moist in winter. Propagate from well-developed, rooted offsets in spring or summer.

Climate

Tropical.