
Alcantarea imperialis Rubra are a tough, exotic-looking Bromeliad with a large rosette shape, eventually growing to be 1.5 metres wide and up to 1.5 metres tall. They have broad grey leaves with a maroon underside, with the colour going a much deeper red in colder (frost-free) climates. After around 10-20 years they will produce a large red flower spike, with small, fragrant yellow flowers on each bract; this spike can grow up to 3 metres tall. Rubra are well suited to most conditions and are commonly used indoors, under cover on balconies/patios and even in the garden in full sun. It's important to keep the 'central vase' topped up with water; however, if left for too long the water can stagnate, so it's a good idea to empty and replace the water each month or so.
Bract Colour | Red |
Common Name | Imperial Bromeliad |
Flower Colour | Yellow |
Foliage Colour | Maroon, Light Green, Grey |
Genus | Alcantarea |
Growth Rate | Slow |
Light | Full Sun, Shade |
Max Height | 1.5m |
Max Width | 1.5m |
Pot Size | 330mm |
Species | Imperialis |
Variety | Rubra |
Water | Low |