I've got lots of Neoregelia, but this is my first Aechmea, anything I need to know? thanks, Ed
Aechmea Black Chantinii
Yes Ed, its cold sensitive, so a nice warm possie in winter is a must. Do you get a winter in Florida?
I just got my first pup a couple of weeks ago, and its tiny, but I have spring and summer to grow it larger before the cool weather sets in.
Sue
Hi Sue, we went three year there without a freeze, ten last year was the coldest winter in 20 years, I lost 9 foxtails, and countless other trees, it was 12 degrees with the wind chill, for too nights, but I just put everything it pots it the two car garage, all several hundred plants, hope I don't have to again this year, will it take 33 degrees? thanks Ed
Wow Ed, I can't believe you went to so much trouble to save your plants. I've tried to grow foxtails here, but I can't get them to germinate, and the few seedlings I have tried have died pretty quickly. Guess I'll stick with our native Archontophoenix palms!
So 33 F is about 5C? I think if you can find chantinii a spot protected from frost, wind and wet throughout winter, it might pull through. Sometimes a warm spot using a brick wall (heated up during the day) can keep things alive through the cold. I think, for you, that would be a south facing wall? Down here, we look for north facing walls to trap the heat, and a NE corner is perfect (morning sun)
Sue
Thanks Sue, Ed