Bromeliad beginning to flower

[Al in Kona]

This Bromeliad has been growing in a partially sunny area of the garden for quite a few years and is just now sending up a flower spike (see pic below). Is it what I think - a Werauhia kupperiana? It's quite large measuring 85cm (34") in width. It has never pupped (no keikis) but now is beginning to flower, so unless I can grow some from seed, will it be the end of this brom for me? I have never seen this bomeliad for sale either so guess I better learn how to grow them from seed. Besides, it would be nice to have more than one in the garden. Any information on this brom and how to reproduce it would be most appreciated.

[Tropicgardener]

Certainly looks like Werauhia kupperiana to me.

[aussiearoids]

Al, a pup will come up along/beside the old flower spike , so do not worry about losing this wonderful plant .

Seedlings are easy , but painfully slow unless forced along , but so worth it .

You should get tons of seeds , very much like Alcantareas .

Edited October 16, 2011 by aussiearoids

[XYZ]

Al:

It is indeed W. kupperiana. As Michael points out, they will produce one or more pups well inside the rosette as the inflorescence fades. As he also indicates, this species is painfully slow from seed. I have many seed-grown plants of both this and a primary hybrid with W. sanguinolenta and they are probably only 6-8" across after five years.

Good luck,

J

[CardiffPalmNut]

Al - great looking plant, good luck with the seeds.

[Al in Kona]

Thanks to all for your helpful information. Also very happy to hear that W. kupperiana will pup. Only negative aspect is that from seed they grow super slow.