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Canistrum Aurantiacum

  • ​Common name: Canistrum Aurantiacum
  • Scientific name: Canistrum Aurantiacum
  • Family name: Bromeliaceae
  • Origin: Brazil​
  • Height: 2 to 3 ft
  • Width: 2 to 3 ft
  • Growth: Slow
  • Zone: USDA Zones 10 and up
  • Light needs: Dappled or indirect light
  • Salt tolerance: Low
  • Soil/pH/Texture: As an epiphytic plant, it is best suited to growing on tree branches and bark. It can also be grown in containers with a well-drained substrate, such as a bark-based potting medium. Substrate pH should be acidic (<7.0).
  • Moisture: Water only when substrate dries out. Ensure that the central “tank” remains at least ¼ full of water. Tolerant of high humidity.
  • Drought tolerance: Moderate
  • Pests/Diseases: Root rot can occur with overwatering. Mosquitoes and other insects may breed in the central cup if it is not flushed out regularly.
  • Growing conditions: Grow this bromeliad in a warm, sunny area with dappled or indirect light.  Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. It is best suited to growing on tree branches, but it can be grown in a container with the right care. The roots should remain dry, as they are for support rather than water absorption. The tank formed in the center of the plant is used to catch water and debris for the plant to absorb. It should be flushed out regularly to prevent pests and bacteria from growing.
  • Characteristics: This bromeliad has oblong, bright green, glossy leaves with toothed margins and apiculate apexes. The leaves radially from the center of the plant, forming a rosette with a central cup or “tank”. The inflorescence emerges on a stalk from the center of the plant which ends up extending slightly above the leaves. The head of the inflorescence is a composite flower with many small, red florets and over 10 red bracts which one might confuse for petals.
  • Propagation: By offsets.
  • Wildlife: Frogs are often found living in the central cup.
  • Facts: The genus name is from the Greek word “kanistron” which is a type of basket carried on the head. All plants of the Canistrum genus are endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome in southeast Brazil.
  • Designer considerations: Best suited for planting in trees, where its smooth foliage adds color and texture interest.

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Canistrum Aurantiacum