Brocchinia reducta

Product Description

Brocchinia reducta is a carnivorous plant in the bromeliad family. It is native to southern Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, and Guyana, and is found in areas with nutrient-poor, high moisture soil. B. reducta is able to grow in sparse conditions, which is evident when it uses its roots as anchors over rocks.

Brocchinia reducta, like many other bromeliads, forms a water-storing cup with its tightly overlapping, bright yellow and green leaves, creating a cylinder when growing outdoors called a rosette. The leaves surrounding the cup of Brocchinia reducta are coated with a very loose yet thick wax coat. This coating is highly reflective of ultraviolet light, which also protects the plant from harmful rays. Since many insects are attracted to ultraviolet, this is an efficient lure. The water in the cup also emits a sweet odour, which may serve to attract ants and other insects. However, several studies have determined that the reflective wax coating serves mainly to cause insects to slip into the water cup below. Once trapped, it is nearly impossible for insects to crawl out of the steep slippery leaves; they eventually drown.

Brocchinia reducta qualifies as a carnivorous bromeliad because of its waxy surface, water collection, odour emission and potential digestive enzymes inside the pool of water all point to a pitfall trap. In addition, its leaves can absorb nutrients.

Grow on a position on a windowsill, heated greenhouse or conservatory, where they get a lot of light. Rainwater (or distilled, de-ionised or reverse osmosis water). These need a high humidity, so need to be sprayed regularly, and need to be watered from the top. Feeding: not necessary. Repotting: when the roots clearly show out of the bottom of the pot.