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.