Garden at Symdock - Bromeliads

Garden at Symdock

Mixed Genera

This section introduces some mixed genera from the very large and diversified bromeliad family group. The genera have been chosen at random from the three bromeliaceae subfamilies, namely Pitcairnioideae, Bromelioideae and Tillandsioideae. Some are the less common genera, while others are the more interesting of the larger and numerous genera. From the small selection below, these extreme variations in each genera is very notable, exquisite and unique, because of their extremely diversified growing conditions, from the harshest deserts to swamps and rainforests. They are exotic and fascinating plants, that are amazingly adaptable, tough and relatively easy to grow. The different genera range in sizes from very tiny to very tall with large rosettes. Their foliage colours vary from lime greens, yellows, reds, burgundy to black and also comes with many patterns, spots, stripes, bands, matt, shinny, silvering, shading and blotches. The different genera have exquisitely coloured flowers and bracts in various sizes and shapes. They range from multiple or singular vertical, arching and pendulous flower spikes with various bracts and inflorescences.

Quesnelia testudo Quesnelia testudo is a very beautiful, yet hardy species plant. The green coloured leaves on top and silvery white frosting on the underside are strong and tough, with excellent growing characteristics in good light. The very striking purplish flowers, that turn black after flowering. The cylindrical inflorescence holds the brilliant red buds and vertical bracts on a short robust stem, last for several weeks. Quesnelia testudo grows 45cm high and 60cm diameter, either in a medium sized pot, the ground or attached directly to a log or tree branch.

Hohenbergia stellata (red) Hohenbergia stellata is a very beautiful species plant. It's long soft looking leaves show the sensitive and delicate growing characteristics. The rich light green leaves with dark purplish on the ends and undersides give great decoration. The leaves can be easily damage by weather and they enjoy good light to grow efficiently. The very high vertical flower spike in brilliant dark red and features levels of horizontal clusters of vivid dark red multiple bracts, holding deep blue petals. These striking inflorescence last for many months. Hohenbergia stellata grows 1 metre high and 90cm diameter, either directly in the ground or in a large size pot.

Ananas comosus var. variegatus Ananas comosus var. variegatus is a very beautiful and decorative, yet extremely hardy plant. The plant is a very close relation to the commercially grown pineapple. The white centred with green edged spikey leaves are surprisingly strong and tough, with excellent growing characteristics and good tolerance to almost direct sunlight. The long variegated leaves are a very rich colour source all year, even when not fruiting. When the plant matures, the central rosette of very short leaves turns bright pink, gradually expanding to form the bulbous bracts holding the bluish purple flowers, while the thick central spike elevates the fruit. The leaves at the top of the pineapple stays bright pink initially, then change colour and variegate to match the parent. Ananas comosus var. variegatus grows 1 metre high and 90cm diameter, either directly in the ground or in a large size pot.

Cryptanthus bivittatus Cryptanthus bivittatus is a small, low spreading, flat rosette terrestrial plant. They are called "Earth Stars", because of their symmetry and unusual flattish shape. The white and green striped leaves have excellent growing characteristics. They turn pinkish, if given plenty of light. The long slender almost horizontal leaves have wavy or crinkled edges and are strong and stiff. When the plant matures, the small white flowers form in the rosette centre. The many pups develop here readily, in little clusters and when ready, dislodge and fall to the ground, developing roots and grow directly next to mother. Cryptanthus bivittatus grow 4cm high and 20cm diameter, either directly into the ground or in a small to medium sized pot. A relatively moist rich fertile mixture is suitable for Cryptanthus.

Portea alatisepala Portea alatisepala is a large and beautiful species plant. These plants are ideal as single or multiple specimen displays. Their burgundy marked green leaves show the strong and tough growing characteristics and their tolerance to almost direct sunlight. The long stately leaves are a very rich colour all the year, displaying a good presence for decoration. On maturing, the large marked white tipped flower spike protrudes until forming the bright red multi bract. The very striking purple flowers are held in the crimson buds and supported by the numerous bright red multiple bracts, last for many weeks. Portea alatisepala grows 80cm high and 70cm diameter, either directly in the ground or in a large size pot, with well drained mixture.

Pitcairnia smithiorum Pitcairnia smithiorum is bright green plant with grassy type leaves. The green slender leaves are strong and tough, with excellent growing characteristics in good light. The flower spike is a long orange round cluster before the very striking bright yellow flowers appear and then turn black with age. They are held in a long cylindrical flower head of brilliant clusters of red primary bracts, which last for months. The individual bright yellow flowers only lasting for one day each, but as the flowers are very numerous, so the display continues for many weeks. Pitcairnia smithiorum grows 40cm high and likes to cluster in a medium sized pot or directly into the ground. A relatively moist rich soil mixture is enjoyed by most Pitcairnias.