Portea petropolitana elongata
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Portea petropolitana elongata is a pretty and tough plant in the bromeliad family. It is a vase shaped bromeliad with 2-3 foot long and 2-3 inch wide green to yellow-green leaves. The stiff leaf margins have sharp teeth so take care in handling the plant. Over time the plant will sucker to form clumps.
Portea petropolitana elongata has a very impressive branched flower spike that can reach 5 to 6 feet. It begins to bloom in early summer with pinkish stemmed branched racemes which have papery pink bracts and violet flowers. These make great long-lasting cut flowers. If left on the plants the flowers develop into pretty purple pink berries giving the plant a spectacular seven month display.
Although Portea petropolitana elongata can withstand sub-freezing temperatures, the plant’s leaves should be protected as they will show damage when exposed to frost. This bromeliad is typically grown in the ground or in containers filled with very porous, but moisture-retentive and organically rich soil.
Portea petropolitana elongata works well in a medium container or large hanging basket. It can also be grown in well-draining amended soils in partial shade. It needs protection from bright sun and would work well under open trees bringing nice color when it blooms. It is a good plant for creating a tropical effect and can be grown in bright light indoors.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Aechmea petropolitana, Portea glaziovii, Streptocalyx podantha
Common Names: Portea Bromeliad
Family: Bromeliaceae
Origin: This plant hails from Espirito Santo near the ocean in southeastern Brazil where it grow on rocks along the coast in sandy soils.
Height: 2-3’
Width: 2-3’
Cold Tolerance: 20 to 25°F, -6.7 to -3.9°C
Heat Tolerance: High heat tolerance.
Light Requirement: Partial to light shade along the coast to medium shade inland.
Water needs: Average water needs, requires irrigation or regular water in warmer months. Avoid overwatering in cool, wet weather.
Maintenance: Remove spent flower spikes and divide clumps as desired.
Uses: This plant works well in a medium container or large hanging basket. It can also be grown in well-draining amended soils in partial shade. It needs protection from bright sun in hot inland climates and would work well under open trees bringing nice color when it blooms. It is a good plant for creating a tropical effect and can be grown in bright light indoors.
Propagation: Portea petropolitana can be grown from seed and offsets can be removed from mature clumps to make additional plants.
Problems: Occasional problems with aphids, thrips, scale and mealybugs.
Research Links:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/69601/
http://growerjim.blogspot.com/2010/07/portea-petropolitana.html
http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/BROMELIADS/Family/Bromeliaceae/28770/Portea_petropolitana
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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