Billbergia ‘Borracho’

Clumping upright bromeliad with white spots on green leaves. Erect flowers have hot pink bracts and indigo flower petals. Pots, tight spaces, good drainage.
height 12–18in
width 1–3ft
tolerates Cool Summers, Fog, Heat, Pots
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 While looking tropical, bromeliads are surprisingly drought tolerant and we think of watering them as other soft leaved succulents such as echeveria. They evolved their unique shape to funnel rainwater into their centers, and then store it there. If you’re in a hot climate simulate this by watering from above. When indoors, you can water in the center of the crown and allow the water to overflow down into the lower tanks and then the roots without getting the area around your plant wet. However, if you are in a cool climate it is best to just water the soil, as lingering water in the crown can lead to rot.
hardy
to		 26F
exposure Part Sun – Part Shade
indoor
outdoor		 In or Out
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Orchid Bark, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Acid 1/2 Strength, All Purpose
origin Hybrid
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 16–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Bromeliads are occasionally terrestrial (grow in the ground) but most are epiphytic, growing on the trunks and branches of trees. Even others are lythophytic, growing in the cracks of rock faces. Either way they do not need much root space and thrive in pots. This also makes them ideal for mounting on a plank, tree, fence, totem or rock.
Because they are usually growing in tight spots their nutrients come from decaying litter, making them appreciate a light acidic fertilizer, but all purpose seems to work just fine.
When planting in the ground take extra care to ensure good drainage. Some ways to do this are by mounding the plants, adding pumice or lava rock to the soil, or even planting nursery cans directly into a basin of pumice to keep their roots constrained.
Avoid planting under trees or other plants that shed a lot, as the litter will collect in the rosettes. If this happens you can gently flush the tanks out with a garden hose.

Special Interest

Suckers from the base to create dense colonies that are easily divided.

This bromeliad builds energy its entire life to send off one spectacular flower, but afterward will die. Don’t worry though, there are usually a couple pups at the base ready to replace it. Start by pruning down the flower once it has lost its vitality, later when the parent plant (that bloomed) begins to fade, remove it to make room for the next generation, often this can be done by just twisting and pulling on the old dried up rosette.