Free Billbergia Nutans Plants

A very hardy plant, the Billbergia can tolerate lower temperatures than many other bromeliads, down to 10°C (50°F). It does not have a specific flowering season, and can bloom at almost any time of year, producing attractive, pendulous flowers from its pink-bracted flower stems. Offsets are formed prolifically and if not removed the display can look untidy. Leaftips that wither due to dehydration can be trimmed off, taking care to leave a small edge of dead tissue. However, it is obviously better to avoid the need for this by maintaining the level of humidity.

Plant type : Flowering bromeliad with upright habit
Season of interest : Varies according to plant and situation
Size : 30-45cm (12—18in)
Flower : Small, pink and blue, hanging from 5-7.5cm (2—3in) long, pink bracts, borne on 30cm (12in) spikes, produced at any time of year
Leaf : Strap-like, thin, 30-45cm (12—18in) long
Temperature : 10-20°C (50 — 68°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit position with some direct sunlight
Humidity : Moderate to high
Watering : Evenly moisten compost throughout year, allowing to dry a little before re¬watering
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Remove 10-15cm (4—6in) offsets in spring and pot in houseplant potting or bromeliad compost at 18-20°C (64-68°F)
Potting : Houseplant potting or bromeliad compost
Problems : Mealy bug, dehydration of leaf ends in dry atmosphere
Availability : Occasionally available from spring to summer
Uses indoors : In or near window in bedroom, dining room or kitchen