Brocchinia acuminata

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Brocchinia Acuminata

COMMON NAME: Bromeliad.

PLACE OF ORIGIN: The Gran Sabana, Venezuela.

GENERAL INFO: Brocchinia Acuminata is a Bromeliad from the Gran Sabana, and Tepui regions of
Venezuela. Set apart from other species of Brocchinia by its distinct appearance, B. acuminata is also
speculated to be a myrmecophyte, forming symbiotic relationships with colonies of ants whose
activities, feces and carcasses all supply the peltate trichomes housed at the bottom of the water
reservoir with nutrients.

WATER: B. acuminata is considered terrestrial, growing almost exclusively on the ground. Fully saturate the soil once or twice a week, never allowing a full dryback period. Lightly mist the leaves to maintain humidity and ALWAYS ensure at least some water is maintained in the central reservoir. This is
essential for protecting the large peltate trichomes, (possibly the largest of any carnivorous bromeliad).

SOIL: We use a 60/40 or 70/30 perlite to peat mix for all Brocchinia.

CONTAINERS: We prefer terracotta pots up to 12 inches in size for this species. Plastic pots of the same
size are also adequate

LIGHT: B. acuminata has a tendency to stretch for light, and can sometimes form vine-like structures in
low-light situations. Under intense lights the leaves form erect, light green to yellow pointed blades.

FERTILIZATION: We recommend using MAXSEA brand fertilizer for all carnivorous plants, as these
sensitive plants respond best to this formulation. The plants will naturally catch pests, and these can be
‘fed’ to the plant by simply dropping them into the water well. Fertilize once every 2 weeks in spring
and summer, and once a month in winter. Never let fertilizer touch flowers!