The largest bromeliad — a group of thousands of plants native to tropical and subtropical Americas — is known as the queen of the Andes because it tends to have a flower stalk reaching up to 30 feet tall between the tops. snow covered mountains. The University of California Botanical Garden says the plant can produce 12 million seeds and produce thousands of flowers – but only when it reaches about 80 to 100 years old. but it dies after it blooms, like most morning glory species — although the bloom can last several years before that happens.
Puya raimondii occurs in the highlands of Peru and Bolivia, usually not less than 13,000 feet above sea level. Due to threats from grazing, fire damage, shrinking populations affecting germination rates, and climate change affecting plants’ ability to flower
Source: Travelling Beard
BROMELIAD CARE
The plant is colorful, easy to grow, beautiful, likes to grow indoors and needs very little water or attention. Morning glory plants are great houseplants that don’t require too much care. In the landscape Bromeliad grows happily in pots or when planted directly in the ground. They add a colorful accent to any outdoor space, garden or patio. In cooler areas, Bromeliad in containers can be moved indoors during the winter months.
WINNER SIZE
All varieties of Bromeliad grow very well in containers, indoors or out in the yard. Smaller varieties grow best indoors in pots 5″ to 8″ in diameter while larger varieties need enough room to grow, generally 8″ to 16″ diameter pots, 10″ deep. enough. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and stronger your Bromeliad will be.As the plant takes root, its growth rate will slow down, it’s time for a larger pot.
LAND
The Queen of the Andes Bromeliad enjoys a well-draining cactus mix, which is easy to find at your local box store. Remember to try to stay away from dry or wet soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Queen of the Andes Bromeliad, fertilize sparingly a few inches from the base, three times a year with a slow-release product. If not fertilized, they will tend to grow at a slower rate. Note: The heavy salts in cheap fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant.
AREA DEVELOPMENT & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zones 10-11, find yours here. This bromeliad needs 75-85% sunlight. Depending on your location partial sun is usually best. At the northern end of the growing area Queen of the Andes Bromeliad should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. A patio zone of 4b-11 means the pot will thrive during the summer months in colder regions but must be brought inside before winter.
BEFORE YOU GROW OUTDOORS
At the nursery these Bromeliads are grown under 20-40% shade fabric. If you plant this Bromeliad in a bright light, you may experience leaf burn. It is best to let this plant acclimate to its environment by leaving it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area for a week or two to avoid stress before planting.