Sapphire Tower

Sapphire Tower Care

Puya Alpestris

What is the plant

Puya is a very large genus of bromeliad, both in number of species and in size of plant. The genus includes the world’s largest species of bromeliad the Puya ramondii which grows up to 30 feet tall and 9 feet across. There are about 199 species within the Puya genus.Puyas are hardy because of where they grow naturally. They are found in the high elevations of the Andes Mountains throughout South America. Only two species found in Costa Rica are not included in the South American range. In this region the climate is typically dry and temperatures can drop below freezing. Puyas must be hardy to thrive in such extreme climates.Unlike most bromeliads Puyas are terrestrial, growing in the ground instead of growing as epiphytes in trees. They have roots that take up nutrients and water from the soil as opposed to the air.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

8 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water Puya plants in the ground once per week in summer. Potted plants should be watered when the top couple of inches of soil have dried out. Water the plant only once per month in winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Remove spent foliage from the rosettes for best appearance. The pups can be cut away with a sharp, sterile knife and potted up for a new supply of the plants.
Fertilizer
To help establish your new Sapphire Tower Super Teal Bromeliad, fertilize sparingly a few inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Best outdoors if grown in zone 10-11, find your zone here. This Bromeliad requires 75-85% sunlight. Depending on your location partial sun is often best. In the northern end of their grow zone Sapphire Tower Super Teal Bromeliad should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months
Soil
Sapphire Tower Super Teal Bromeliad enjoy a well drained, cactus mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from arid or wet, mucky soils.
Temperature
Puya are slow to germinate and require temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C.).

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Container
All Bromeliad varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Smaller varieties grow best indoors in 5″ to 8″ diameter pots while larger varieties need enough room for growth, generally a 8″ to a 16″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your Bromeliad will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
Popularity
23 people already have this plant 29 people have added this plant to their wishlists