Imperial bromeliad Alcantarea imperialis
Imperial bromeliad (Alcantarea imperialis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Bromeliaceae family, native to Serra dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro state (granite rock faces). It grows 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) tall and 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Imperial bromeliad in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Imperial bromeliad at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Serra dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro state (granite rock faces) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Imperial bromeliad toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Bromeliads are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Imperial bromeliad
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Imperial bromeliad in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (22 plants)
Questions about Imperial bromeliad
- How far apart should I plant Imperial bromeliad?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft).
- Does Imperial bromeliad need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Imperial bromeliad need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Imperial bromeliad?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Imperial bromeliad flower?
- From about April for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Imperial bromeliad poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Bromeliads are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Imperial bromeliad?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Imperial bromeliad. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora e Funga do Brasil, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (REFLORA)
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro: arboretum and collections, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
Notes and assumptions
- A giant bromeliad on bare granite inselbergs; flowers once on a stalk up to 3 m after about 10–15 years, then offsets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Pineapple Ananas comosus
- Urn plant (silver vase bromeliad) Aechmea fasciata
- Scarlet star bromeliad Guzmania lingulata
- Chilean puya Puya chilensis
- Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides
- Air plant (blushing tillandsia) Tillandsia ionantha
- Blushing bromeliad Neoregelia carolinae
- Flaming sword (vriesea) Lutheria splendens