Alcantarea imperialis starting to bloom

[Tracy]

I purchased an Alcantarea imperialis about 15 or 20 years ago and planted it in my yard.  Unfortunately, when I moved out and began renting the house, the bromeliad didn't get its cup watered ever and I have drip irrigation.  So my original plant died in early 2015 before ever blooming.  I was at least smart enough to remove one of the basal starts before I moved and planted it in my current residence.  I don't recall when I removed the pup from it's parent, but it got put in the ground in 2015.  Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, and I can see that a flower is beginning to emerge.  I have numerous pups I have planted or shared from this 2nd generation plant, so although I will miss it when it goes, I can plant another in its spot.

One of the leaves on my Cycads conveniently pointed out the emerging flower initially for me.  I didn't want it to block the new flower stalk, so I trimmed that one leaf off as the Cycad should be flushing soon anyway.  More recent progress is shown in the last 3 photos.

[BrockD]

Pretty cool Tracy. That’s a beautiful plant

[tinman10101]

i always wanted one but far too dry in my climate. congrats on successfully growing it tracy.  

[Tracy]

It continues to grow as expected.  A nice stripe of color in the garden while it lasts.

[Tracy]

It continues to grow....

[happypalms]

Someone has a pretty special plant in there garden!

[Tracy]

It continues to push upward and the little hand like appendages are emerging.

[Billy]

What a nice contrast to the surrounding Encephalartos. I purchased one from Gardens By the Sea before they finally closed up shop for good. There were two and I wish I would have bought both. On a brighter note, it looks like I still have another 7 years or so to enjoy it before it flowers. Beautiful photos, Tracy. 

P.S. I haven't gone plant shopping in quite some time. Where abouts would/will you go to search for a replacement? 

[Tracy]

4 hours ago, Billy said:

Where abouts would/will you go to search for a replacement? 

Billy, I have pulled numerous grass pups off this plant as well as grass pups off those plants to start.  I currently have 3 in the ground elsewhere and another 3 or 4 in pots with other plants, and still have more offsets I could harvest.  You need to pay another visit sometime.....

[Tracy]

The first flower on the inflorescence opened today.  The inflorescence has continued going both upright and the branches have extended.  If each of those fingers on the hand like appendages will produce a flower, this will be in bloom still for a long time to enjoy. 

[Tracy]

More flowers opening.