Hi Casha,

I recently bought one of these beauties, and did some research to find out the same thing. It was originally classified as a guzmania, and apparently should be grown under similar conditions as you would grow a guz. It grows into a large plant, so I have potted mine in a large squat pot, in a fine, gritty but well-draining mix. I have positioned it in a shady spot in my garden, and given it a good feed with slow-release fertiliser. I am in northern N.S.W., also Zone 9 or 10 by U.S. standards, except we would get a bit colder than Sydney on winter nights. I hope it will grow well for me. So far it is thriving, but I'm nervous about how it will go in the winter. However, the source of your bidding war item does say he grows it in his garden in Melbourne, albeit not so well, so you should have a good chance in Sydney? I have a friend in Melbourne who also grows it, and apart from it being tossed and rolled about from ferocious recent winds, I think hers is doing O.K.

I would also like to know from anyone else who has had success growing and flowering this desirable species.

Good luck in the auction, Casha!

Cheers,
Kerry

Thanks Kerry, I know they said it would grow in sydney the question is HOW well! I'm going to try it though, hopefully it won't go out of my price range, sometimes people get a bit carried away (or they have a lot of money to throw around)
casha