Fascicularia

Family. Bromeliaceae.

Origin. Chile.

Description. Fascicularia is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant that forms large rosettes of leaves. The leaves are green, narrow, linear, basal, gracefully arched. The leaf blades have finely toothed edges. Before flowering, the bases of the leaves turn bright red. In the center of the rosette appears a large inflorescence of many small, up to 4 cm in diameter, purple flowers. Only mature specimens bloom. This species is monocarpic - the main rosette dies after flowering, leaving offspring in the form of small daughter rosettes.

Height. It grows slowly, but can reach a height of 1 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

It prefers warm conditions and is kept all year round at normal room temperature. During the winter months, do not expose plants to temperatures below 10°C.

Lighting

Tolerates a wide range of light conditions, but prefers well-lit locations with plenty of reflected sunlight. Should be protected from direct sunlight. 

Care

One of the most unpretentious plants of the bromeliad family, it is worth getting for those who have long wanted to get acquainted with this family, but have no practical experience. When growing in the garden, place plants away from paths as the tough leaves can easily cause injury.

Substrate

Very loose soil that easily allows moisture and air to pass through to the roots. A suitable mixture for orchids is based on pine bark, peat, with the addition of small pieces of charcoal and perlite. 

Feeding

In its natural habitat, fascicularia feeds on leaves and cannot absorb nutrients through its roots. Feed the plants by spraying the leaves with a liquid fertilizer specially formulated for bromeliads every month.

Purpose

Looks great as an ampel plant - in a hanging basket.

Flowering time

Summer, plants bloom only once. 

Air humidity

Fascicularia should be kept in a well-ventilated area with constant air circulation. Place the plant pot on a tray filled with wet pebbles or use a room humidifier. Misting should be done in the morning to allow moisture to evaporate from the plants before dark.

Soil moisture

During the growing season, the soil is dried to a depth of about 3 cm between waterings. In winter, watering is reduced and the substrate is dried to half its depth. For irrigation, use softened water at room temperature. Unlike most bromeliads, it is advisable to use bottom watering for this plant.

Transfer

Prefers slightly cramped conditions - do not rush to change the size of the pot unless necessary. Replant plants in fresh soil every 2 to 3 years. 

Reproduction

Daughter rosettes that form near a large plant.

Pests and diseases

If there is insufficient light, the leaves of the plants turn pale. If there is excess moisture in the soil or air, especially if it is cool, the plants rot. A large amount of nutrients in the soil makes the plant abundantly grow green mass to the detriment of flowering. Insects rarely attack the flower.

Note

Plants should be periodically replaced with new ones, since after flowering the main rosettes die.