Question
Hello,
I grow Bromeliads as a hobby and have recently received a Portea alatisepala from a friend and have some questions about care. I know very little about this genus and im having no luck on the internet so far.

1: What is the minimum temp this plant can take? (i live in zone 6)
2: Does it like water in the vase? I know some Tillandsia form a vase but dont like water in them.
3: How big does it get/is a 10in pot big enough to get it to blooming size?
4: How easily  does it propagate? I know some (Werauhia kupperiana) only have 1 pup and thats it and Guzmania pups are a pain to get rooted after removal.

I like to trade plants with other growers so the propagation question is probably the most important to me right now.

Thanks,
Justin

Answer
Hi Justin,

Portea alatisepala is an unusual specimen that is not commonly available, as I am sure you know. I have no direct experience with this species myself as I work mostly with more common houseplants.

Its cultural requirements are similar to the Aechmeas. It requires warm temps - zone 9 and higher.

Whether or not you put water in the vase depends on how good the air circulation is. If the sir circulation is poor, you run the risk of the water stagnating and rotting the vase leaves. As long as the soil is properly irrigated, keeping water in the vase is unimportant.

This plant can get up to 30 inches in height. It will bloom when it is sufficiently mature and that depends on a lot of factors. A specific age or pot size cannot be relied on as a good indicator of its being ready to bloom.

Your Portea will propagate similarly to an Aechmea. There is no way to predict how many offsets you will get.

If you need more specific information, you will have to check with a botanical garden or a nursery that grows this species, if you can find one. Otherwise, treat it like an Aechmea and make your own observations. Then you can share that information by posting it online.

Regards,
Will Creed