Hi Andrew,

We also went and had a look at these but thought they might be to differcult to grow here?? there was no growing conditions advise with the plant. Anyway looked very frost tender. The Journal also offered no growing info. Anybody out there with this plant ?? if so what conditions do they like ??

I have seen something similar but did not pay too much notice.
That was about six months ago before you guys messed with my head an I really caught the brom bug. In my "I only buy Neo's" days. ;-)

Sander

Looks like an aechmea version of 'Miss Fortuna'! - well...almost?
I've got one, but with greener leaves, in my shade house, yet to flower. I've also got Ae. nidulariodes x hoppii. I intend keeping them in my illusive hot house during winter - if the hot house eventuates by then - otherwise they'll prob get Sander's KKK treatment.
I understand it is one of those real tropical-type broms - you know, those ones we all want to grow because the grass is greener.......

Cheers,
Kerry

What size pot is that, it looks so small! I have it and mine gets 3 or 4 feet across, with a flower the size of a grapefruit. Did you buy yours in bloom, Andrew? I'm wondering if it may have been forced early. They're probably an easier sell at a more manageable size.

Yes, it does resemble Guz. 'Fortuna', Kerry! Another one of those parallel evolution things, apparently.

These plants are the result of tissue culture, & were probably forced to flower. They were being sold in 5 inch pots, along with flowering Guzmania's, & flowering Vriesea for the local house plant market. I guess most will just be thrown out once they finish flowering. Seems such a waste...I wonder what the chances are of hybridizing this plant with something with more cold tolerance.