Deuterochonia brevifolia, a Rare Treasure for Your Collection

At our nurseries in SF and LA, we’ve got something special for your rare plant collection: the extraordinary Deuterochonia brevifolia ("Deutero" for short).

This adorable bromeliad is a favorite for rare plant folks—and very hard to find! Slowly, over time, the plant will envelop its rock pot, forming a kind of spiky ball with its exquisite miniature rosettes. If you plant it in your garden, it will slowly develop into coral-like spreading mounds. A spectacular sight!

Caring for “Deutero”

This plant needs to be grown outdoors. Its ideal conditions are part sun/part shade, but it can also tolerate a full sun spot and doesn’t mind cold (can handle down to the low 20s). Deuterochonia brevifolia should be planted in very well-drained soil and watered sparingly. It is a succulent bromeliad, so its water needs are minimal.

If your plant is in a rock pot, you can let it grow slowly and create a nice round ball over the rock. But you can also tuck this plant into your landscape for a unique drought-tolerant “ground cover” of sorts.

Here's what Deutero looks like in the garden. Plant it among your landscape rocks to watch it do its extraordinary thing.

Deuterochonia brevifolia makes a beautiful gift for a plant collector. We love sending rare plants home with you in SF and LA!

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