Pinoke
fascicularia bicolor
Also known as: ["Blue Puya","Chilean Bromeliad"]
Overview
A striking bromeliad native to Chile, known for its vibrant blue-green foliage and striking red inflorescence.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus: | Fascicularia |
| Botanical Name: | Fascicularia bicolor |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: sheltered garden bed or container in a location with dappled sunlight
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix of cactus soil, perlite, and a small amount of organic matter (e.g., compost or peat).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead, diseased, or overgrown parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate full sun with gradual acclimation, especially in cooler climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to full sun slowly over weeks; protect from intense midday sun; indoors, place near an east or west-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting the central rosette to prevent rot.
Soil
well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure pots drain freely.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures; avoid extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late fall to allow dormancy; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of offsets; stem cuttings root easily in warm conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting, let it callus for a few days, dip in rooting hormone (optional), plant in moist propagation medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun until established.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or scissors, rooting hormone, propagation medium, humidity dome or plastic bag, watering can.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back leggy stems to encourage branching; remove old leaves at the base with clean cuts.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health; prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/damaged parts, make clean cuts, dispose of clippings, clean up around plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh well-draining soil, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil mix, handle roots carefully, water lightly, place in shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid crown wetting, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the central crown; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure pots have adequate drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or wilting; flowering may be delayed or inhibited.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback if temperatures drop below 28°F (-2°C); roots are susceptible to frost.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location or indoors before frost; use frost cloth for outdoor protection; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow; flowering can be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid overwatering, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Fascicularia bicolor. The plant's irritants can cause discomfort but are not usually severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Fascicularia bicolor can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The berries and leaves contain irritants that may cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicFascicularia bicolor contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The berries and leaves are the primary toxic parts, though the effects are generally not severe.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Fascicularia bicolor?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, especially during winter.
Q: Does Fascicularia bicolor require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, but protection from intense afternoon sun is recommended.
Q: How do I propagate Fascicularia bicolor?
A: Propagate by removing offsets (pups) that grow at the base of the plant and replanting them in well-draining soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
