Ochagavia carnea

RHS Plant Profile

Tresco rhodostachys

RHS

Synonyms

Bromelia carnea

Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

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A terrestrial bromeliad, with dense rosettes spreading to 60cm wide and made up of 30 to 50 stiff, very narrow, spiny-edged, evergreen leaves which are dark green above and grey-white below. In summer it produces a spherical cluster of bright pink, tubular flowers in the centre of the rosette

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: West–facing or South–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1C

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Bromeliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Ochagavia are evergreen, terrestrial bromeliads with almost stemless, spreading rosettes of stiff, spiny-toothed leaves. The spherical inflorescence at the centre of the rosette is composed of tubular, red or yellow, flowers followed by green berries
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Chile

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass, or as a houseplant, in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light with low humidity. Water moderately with soft water in growth, keep almost dry when dormant. See bromeliad cultivation

Propagation

Sow seed at 27°C as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Sub-tropical

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free