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ABOUT
Bromeliad Orthophytum Gerkiana, Small but fierce in appearance. Super cool narrow olive green leaves with cream colored spines are banded in what looks like a Richter scale arrangements of lines. Leaves are stiff and heavily arching with a maroon hued underside. Average size plants maintain 6 to 8 inches in height and when fully matures will produce a tall 18 – 20 inch flower stalk that will produce babies. A real find for the garden. These are very healthy plants with well established root systems.
The growth rate, bloom and leaf color of Gerkiana will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. Lower leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
CARE
Gerkiana are very easy to grow plants that require little care. They add a wonderful tropical accent to any outdoor space, garden or patio. In very cold zones a containerized Bromeliad Orthophytum Gerkiana can be brought inside for the winter months.
When you receive your new Gerkiana, there is no need to worry about planting. Your new plant can be enjoyed indoors by simply placing it in a dish with about a half inch of water and moving it to a filtered sun location.
CONTAINER SIZE
Gerkiana grow very well in patio containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 8″ to a 12″ diameter, 8″ deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your plant will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow. At that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
Gerkiana enjoy well drained but moist, rich organic mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky or dry, sandy soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Bromeliad Orthophytum Gerkiana, fertilize sparingly at least 4 inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time release 15-5-10. Unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in Zone 10-11, find your zone here. This Gerkiana requires 65-80% sunlight. Depending on your location filtered sun is best. In the northern end of their grow zone Gerkiana plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before frost.
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
Here at Kens Nursery these plants are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant directly in full sun you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All Gerkiana for sale will vary in size. In the spring, Plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or 2.75 inch growers pot respectively. Kens new, reusable, recyclable deep cells are 5 to 7 inches deep and 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Products growing in these cells are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -5, or -7. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual plants ready to ship. (click-here)
Note: Before leaving, Gerkiana are inspected, watered, pruned and topped to 36″ if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Then your plant is tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts. You will be pleased.
You may want to buy Gerkiana online now while they are in stock.
