xAndrolaechmea ‘Cyclops’

My first blooming of bi-generic Androlaechmea ‘Cyclops’ has been a surprise this late fall season. This is a cross of Androlepis skinneri and Aechmea lueddemanniana by hybridizer Mike Michalski.

Both parents generally bloom in the early spring, here in Central Florida, I wonder if this is due the unseasonably warm weather or the norm for this clone.

I find the bright foliage to be the real attraction. The  inflorescence provides a nice accent, but the blooms are best at a macro level view where the tiny ants rule.

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Aechmea kuntzeana

Aechmea kuntzeana is a medium/large upright bromeliad endemic to the moist and dry forests of Bolivia. Named for it’s collector Otto Kuntze, it was described by Carl Mez in 1898.

The clone pictured on the FCBS website appears to have darker purplish leaves than my clones green ones. I was hoping that full sun and neglect would help but I believe mine will stay as green as most of the other images I’ve seen.

The inflorescence is very long lasting, with the seed pod ripening in about 5-6 months after the flower bloom. The fruit does not change color much when ready, but the seed is large and easy to grow.

 

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Dyckia burle-marxii

The Dyckia burle-marxii has begun to bloom again!

Since moving this clone to a 3-gallon pot, it has produced a bloom spike twice a year for the past two years. D. burle-marxii has been prolific with offsets also.

This red beauty stands out in any crowd!

There is a D. richardii nearby with bloom spikes just emerging. Hmmm … just wondering what the children might look like.

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