ABOUT THIS BROMELIAD
Desert Lantern (puya weberiana) – An absolutely spectacular bromeliad from dry, rocky, high elevation grasslands of the Andes in Argentina in the provinces of Salta and Tucumán. It forms a compact rosette of narrow leaves that are light green and red tipped above and silvery below. It produces a massive, short-stalked inflorescence that is densely covered in bright pink, densely wooly bracts. Puya weberiana has not been in cultivation before but would likely succeed in cool Mediterranean climates such as coastal California.
The growth rate of Desert Lantern will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
The growth rate of Desert Lantern will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
QUICK SPECS
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OUTDOOR
Zone 10-11
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PATIO
Zone 4a-11
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SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist
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% SUN
75-85%
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POT SIZE
2x2x7″ Deep
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INCLUDES
One Plant
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BROMELIAD CARE
Bromeliads are colorful, easy to grow, beautiful plants that are indoor hardy and require very little water or attention. Bromeliads are excellent houseplants that withstand more neglect than almost any other plant. In the landscape Bromeliad grow happily in a pot or when planted directly in the ground. They add a colorful accent to any outdoor space, garden or patio. In cooler zones a containerized Bromeliad can be relocated indoors for the winter months.
When you receive your new Bromeliad, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a tray and moving it to a shady location, simply water when dry. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new Bromeliad.
When you receive your new Bromeliad, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a tray and moving it to a shady location, simply water when dry. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new Bromeliad.
CONTAINER SIZE
All Bromeliad varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Smaller varieties grow best indoors in 5″ to 8″ diameter pots while larger varieties need enough room for growth, generally a 8″ to a 16″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your Bromeliad will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
Desert Lantern Bromeliad enjoy a well drained, cactus mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from arid or wet, mucky soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Desert Lantern Bromeliad, fertilize sparingly a few inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 10-11, find your zone here. This Bromeliad requires 75-85% sunlight. Depending on your location partial sun is often best. In the northern end of their grow zone Desert Lantern Bromeliad should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before winter.
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
At the nursery these Bromeliad are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant this Bromeliad in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All Desert Lantern Bromeliad for sale will vary in size. In the spring, plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, -6 or -8 will arrive in a standard 4 inch, 6 inch or 8 inch round growers pot respectively. Our new, reusable, recyclable deep plugs are 7 or 9 inches deep and 2 or 2.5 inches in width. Products growing in these pots are easy to transplant and allow for deeper roots and faster growth, they are designated with a sku ending in -7 or -9. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. For more information, click the “best packaging” link at the bottom of this page.
Note:
Before leaving, Bromeliad are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants, generally those that ship in 8″ pots, will be topped to 36″ or 48″ overall, depending on the variety, if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and generally secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts.
You may want to order your Lg. Desert Lantern (puya weberiana) online now while they are in stock, supplies are limited.
Zone.9b Zone.10a Zone.10b Zone.11a Zone.11b
