Introduction

In this third part of my series on introducing some uncommon bromeliad species that are easy to grow, I will provide information on Aechmea capixabae from Brazil, Tillandsia porphyrocraspeda and Tillandsia reuteri both from Ecuador and Peru. I have grown all three of these species for more than 15 years, and in that time, I have had several "near disasters" in my greenhouse that has truly sorted out the strong and resilient plants from the weak and sensitive plants. I consider all three of these to be strong and resilient plants that will grow over a wide range of environments.

Aechmea capixabae

Aechmea capixabae (Figure 1) was discovered by Mulford Foster in 1939 in Santa Teresa, Espirito Santo, Brazil. While I explored this region briefly in 1992 when I found Aechmea entringeri, which I reported on previously, I did not see this bromeliad there. The Encyclopedia of Bromeliads says it grows at about 775 m in elevation but says nothing about whether it is a terrestrial or an epiphyte. It is a medium-sized plant growing 60 cm wide by 40 cm tall with glossy green leaves edged with short spines that are rough, but not harmful in handling it.

Aechmea capixabae propagates by short stout 5 to 7 cm stolons which makes them easy to remove with a set of pruners. I think any "normal" bromeliad potting mix will do along with a 13 to 15 cm azalea pot. I use the azalea style pots for all my bromeliads, as they are not as tall as a normal pot, and therefore have a larger base to help hold plants upright. Provide this Aechmea with some shade, as the foliage may burn in direct sun. I personally grow it in quite a bit of shade where it does just fine.

The inflorescence (Figure 2) grows upwards at a slight angle on a stout peduncle (stem) and consists of many flowers on short branches which produces a...