Is this a true 'Blue Tango'?
OK I need another ID on 2 bromeliads
And here is one I have seen before, what is it????
Here's a picture of a "Blue Tango" I saw. I think yours has just faded a bit - did it bloom a while ago? The second one looks like a portea.
When I got the very top one pictured, it was already blooming like you see, faded. And I do not know how long it had been blooming.....it did end up blooming a 1-2 months AFTER I got it, that's why I am thinking the one I have is not a 'blue tango'
It could be Aechmea 'Shelldancer' or Aecmea fendleri
http://d3684183.u30.infinology.com/pictures.htm
this is the FBS site, so see what you think. You could also try looking through the Aechmea cultivar section for anything crossed with an Aechmea fendleri.
A. 'Blue Tango' and A. 'Del Mar' are REALLY blue, but I'm not sure about the fading part.
This is A. 'Del Mar'
I looked at the 'Fendlei' and it looks simular in bloom, but still a much smaller brom then this one I have pictured. This is the same plant I have pictured above, but at a different angle. Fills a 3 gallon pot no problem, with minor spines.
I think that one is portea petropolitania.
no I do not think its a portea petropolitania because we have like 50 of those in our collection and the leaves are a lot longer, lighter in color, bigger spines, and the bloom display is wider. Different color too.
Here is a picture of our portea petropolitania.
Here is another picture of our portea petropolitania in bloom, its ends up turning purple and blue/greyish, with orange (because of the sun). Plus these here can take full florida sun.
These here can not take full florida sun, they will burn. The leaves are no where near as long, darker green, less of a spine, and the blooms are taller, narrow, and more blue/red.
I'm stumped.
http://www.bromeliads.co.nz/lightshade.html
states
Aechmea fendleri: An impressive brush of lavender coloured flowers on a pink stem which is dusted with a white bloom. The stem can reach a metre in height, and the flowering display last several weeks, followed by delightful blue berries. A large rosette of green leaves with a slight silver tinge completes the picture.
How does yours compare?
http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_286f.html
you could also try googling images of Aechmea fendleri. I can't see it being anything else, except for a hybrid of A. fendleri and something very similar.
Definitely not Portea petropolitana I agree! Nice try mel!
You got me on this one, upon checking it is the Fendleri! I made the mistake and saw this picture on the web and it just looked much smaller then what I have but most say it grows to 2-3', so that sounds more like it to me.
I hope I'm allowed to use this pic here.....
Now, I'm hoping someone will come by and know more about the 'blue tango' or Del mar', if they do indeed look faded at times like the very first picture I posted. I am in serious dought that it's either of the 2 I just named. I have about 15 in our collection, and this is the only one to bloom so far.
I just love 'puting a name with the face' and all your info is wonderful!
I'm glad you liked the info. I do alot of searching in the FBS site for names, just by looking at pics, and i also look at bromeliads on Ebay, which is also a good way of getting names, as most are advertised with both name and picture! Also, just google the name and click on images to get a wide range. If you know its an Aechmea, google 'Aechmea" images. You'll be stunned at how many their are. It takes some time, but I love looking at them anyway! I find I can now recognise alot of Broms, or at leats what genus they are from, (not all)
Anyway, enjoy your blooms!
Sue