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Billbergia Vittata

Location

Bromeliad Island Garden

Billbergia Vittata

  • ​Common name: Billbergia Vittata
  • Scientific name: Billbergia vittata
  • Family name: Bromeliaceae
  • Origin: Brazil​
  • Height: 3 ft
  • Width: 1.5 ft
  • Growth: Slow
  • Zone: USDA Zones 10 and above
  • Light needs: Dappled or indirect light
  • Salt tolerance: Low
  • Soil/pH/Texture: As an epiphytic plant, it is best suited for growing on tree branches, bark, and rocks. It can be cultivated in-ground or in a container with a well-drained substrate.
  • Moisture: The roots are not used to absorb water and should stay dry. Water the substrate only when it is dry.
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate.
  • Pests/Diseases: Root rot may occur with overwatering.
  • Growing conditions: As with many other bromeliads, it is adapted to grow on tree branches, bark, and rocks. Ensure that it does not receive direct sunlight, as this may burn the leaves. It can be grown in a container but will need a well-draining substrate such as orchid medium. The central cup is used to absorb water and nutrients. Flush this cup out and refill it regularly to get rid of pests and bacteria.
  • Characteristics: As a Billbergia bromeliad, it tends to have a taller, narrower, and more tubular structure with a narrower cup than most other bromeliad types. The leaves form a rosette around the base of the plant, forming a cup which is used to absorb water and nutrients. The leaves are thick, oblong, and with toothed margins. The leaves are usually a glaucous green shade with horizontal white stripes on the underside and a glossier, brighter green on the upper side. Flowers emerge on tall red or green rachis. Individual flowers are tubular and bright red with purple tips. Bright red bracts line the lower half of the rachis.
  • Propagation: By offsets.
  • Wildlife: Frogs and insects can often be found in the central cup.
  • Facts: The genus is named after J.G. Billberg, a Swedish botanist. The specific epithet “vittata” is derived from the Latin word “vitta”, which means ribbon. This is in reference to the striped leaves.
  • Designer considerations: Great for rock plantings and along the elbows of tree trunks. Not recommended for borders or ground covers, or anywhere where it can be brushed up against, due to its toothed leaves.