Fascicularia, also known as the pitcairnia plant, is a species of bromeliad that is native to South America. The plant is named for its long, thin leaves, which are arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are green in color and have a glossy surface. The plant produces blue or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is easy to grow and does not require much care.
Is it easy to grow Fascicularia plant? Common ly known as the Chilean pitcher plant, Fascicularia bicolor is a carnivorous plant that is native to Chile. The plant gets its name from its pitcher-like leaves which can grow up to 30 cm in length. These leaves have a green upper surface and a purple lower surface and are covered in small hairs. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. Fascicularia bicolor is an easy to grow plant that does not require much care. It can be grown in a pot or in the ground and does best in full sun to partial shade. The plant does not like to be overwatered and prefers to be kept on the dry side. It is also important to keep the leaves free of dust and debris.
How big can it be? The plant has a diameter of up to 40 cm and a total height of around 40 cm. However, in nature, it can grow up to 90 cm. The leaves of the plant are dark green and have a glossy surface. The flowers of the plant are white and have a diameter of around 5 cm.
How fast is the growth? Since they are epiphytes, they do best in an airy potting mix with good drainage. They can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Water thoroughly when the potting mix is dry.
| Plant Form | Herbaceous |
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Origin | Chile |
How long is the lifespan? The plant lives for 4-5 years and reaches its maximum size. After flowering, the rosette dies off.
What is the ideal temperature? The average temperature in summer is 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit, while in winter it can go down to 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can withstand short-term temperature drops to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit and even below freezing point.
What about the humidity? When the air is too dry, the leaves of some houseplants, for example, ficus, begin to fade and fall off. The same fate awaits the leaves of the bryophyllum, hibiscus, streptocarpus and other plants. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to increase the humidity of the air. You can do this in different ways. The easiest way is to put the pots with these plants on a pallet with moist moss or expanded clay and periodically spray the leaves with soft water from a spray bottle.
What amount of light this plant needed? When growing a Fascicularia plant, it is important to provide the plant with bright, non-directional light in order to stimulate the bright colors of the leaves and flowers. An eastern or western window is suitable for this purpose. The penumbra is transferred. Directional light should be avoided.
What is good soil for Fascicularia? Sometimes, people are confused about what kind of soil they need to use for their Fascicularia plant. Here, I will explain what kind of soil is best for a Fascicularia plant. Fascicularia plants need light soil that is a mixture of foliage, sand, and peat. It is possible to use one part peat-sphagnum and coarse-grained sand, pieces of bark. Drainage is mandatory. In too fertile soil, the plant will develop the leaves, but may not bloom.
How much I must water Fascicularia? When and how often to water the plant, what type of water to use and what are the consequences of overwatering. Fascicularia plants need to be watered with soft water at least once every 8-12 days, soaking the soil well. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings; Stagnant moisture is dangerous and can lead to decay of the root system. In winter, watering is more moderate, and the land must dry between waterings.
About fertilizer. So, every 15 days in spring and autumn, use soluble fertilizer in half dose for Fascicularia plant. It is best to use complete fertilizers with a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio. For example, you can use 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 fertilizer. Also, don't forget to check the expiration date on the fertilizer package.
How to reproduce Fascicularia? So, the plant is propagated by children from the mother plant, when they reach half of its height or by dividing the bush. To separate the baby, use a sharp knife, sprinkle the cut with charcoal. Babe after drying (for 2 days) to put in the main substrate, wherein germinate, rugulyarno sprinkling.
Why Fascicularia won't bloom? So, the blue flowers with red leaves in the center of the rosette are the inflorescences. The flowers are at the end of summer.
How much I must water Fascicularia? The reason you might want to transplant a Fascicularia is if the bush becomes voluminous. Another reason is if the roots start to show up from the pot. The third reason you might want to transplant a Fascicularia is if it becomes difficult to replant. A fourth reason to transplant a Fascicularia is if the plant becomes prickly.
How to care the plant? Although young plants will bloom faster, the mother sockets will die after flowering. However, new daughter outlets will start to form.
What is the challenge when caring Fascicularia plant? Eventually, it will be necessary to repot the plant. The Fascicularia plant is susceptible to a few different pests, including scabies, mealybugs, and aphids. While it is possible to treat these pests, it is often difficult to do so. Eventually, it will be necessary to repot the plant.
Are Fascicularia poisonous? While all parts of the Fascicularia plant are poisonous, the leaves and berries are the most toxic. If ingested, these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, they can lead to convulsions and death. The Fascicularia plant is native to South America and is often used as an ornamental plant.
