The Alcantarea vinicolor 'Hawaiin Red' is a large bromeliad that can grow up to 1 m high and wide and is commonly known as giant bromeliad. The thick broad leaves coloured burgundy and green form a large rosette shape. The burgundy colour is stronger during cooler months.
The Hawaiin Red is a hardy plant that tolerates a variety of climatic conditions. This gorgeous plant is suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas with full sun, part-shade, or shade. It does well in containers or planted in the ground, looking awesome in large decorative pots. Its incredible size and colour make it an amazing feature plant.
The Hawaiin Red is a very slow-growing plant which is reflected in the higher price tag. This exotic looking plant grows for 10-20 years, after which it will produce a large flower spike, filled with many small, fragrant flowers. The flower spike will last for about a year, but after that unfortunately the majestic mother plant will die. But it would have left behind many pups.
Pro tip: (1) Because the plant is slow growing, leaves damaged by hailstorms will take months to years to be replaced by younger leaves. For outdoor areas, it is a clever idea to place them in spots that are protected from heavy hailstorm damage like under a shade tree or undercover. (2) Read the watering instructions below. Add a drop of oil or spent coffee grounds in the central vase if the water gets infested with mosquitoes.
Light requirement: Full Sun, Part sun/part shade, and Bright indirect sunlight
Water requirement: Low
Watering frequency:
Soil: Well-draining
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Slow
Suitable for containers: Yes
More info:
External links to more info:
Drought tolerance: Medium
Frost tolerance: Low
Wind tolerance: Medium
Disease and pest susceptibility:
Mature height:
Mature width:
Suitable for shaping: No
Colour: Burgundy, green
Variegation: No
Size: Large
Seasonality: Evergreen
Flowering: Yes; but primarily grown for it's foliage
Flower colour: Pale peach, Yellow, Red, Orange
Flower fragrant: Yes
Flowering season: A bromeliad will bloom only once throughout its lifespan following which the mother plant will die back, but its pups will continue to grow.
Fruit: No