Deuterocohnia lorentziana

Scientific Name

Deuterocohnia lorentziana (Mez) M.A.Spencer & L.B.Sm.

Synonym(s)

Pitcairnia lorentziana, Abromeitiella lorentziana, Abromeitiella abstrusa, Hepetis lorentziana

Scientific Classification

Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Pitcairnioideae
Genus: Deuterocohnia

Description

Deuterocohnia lorentziana is an attractive terrestrial Bromeliad that forms dense mounds comprised of rosettes of stiff triangular leaves with smooth margins but a sharp terminal spine. It grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The individual rosettes are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Leaves appear to be silvery-white because the leaf surfaces are covered with reflective white hairs. Flowers are yellow-green, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and appear from late winter to early spring.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Deuterocohnia is a perennial Bromeliad that forms an interesting mounding ground cover. It grows by slowly dividing, into a tight cushion-shaped colony. In its native environments, it is watered perhaps only twice a year, obtaining most of its moisture from the air itself. It is able to obtain extra moisture from ocean fogs that roll in.

This is an excellent plant for a small-scale groundcover in rock or succulent gardens. Deuterocohnia makes an interesting specimen plant in containers.

Grow your Deuterocohnia in well-drained humus-rich soil with added pebbles, perlite, hardwood bark, or other material to facilitate drainage. Keep in bright light or part sun and water moderately in spring and summer, letting it dry between waterings. Limit water during winter. It is probably one of the cold hardiest of the Bromeliads, but detesting winter wet on its foliage proves difficult to keep outside.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Deuterocohnia.

Origin

This species is native to Bolivia.

Photo Gallery

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