Chilean puya

Also known as: Information to be completed

An evergreen, clumping, perennial, with dense rosettes of lance-shaped, stiff, leathery mid-green leaves with coarse, marginal spines pointing in to the rosette. A mature rosette produces a stout flower stem, to 1.5m high, with yellow-green, bell-shaped flowers interspersed with bird perches, before it dies (monocarpic). Flowers are followed by green fruit containing winged seeds

Scientific classification

Species: Chilean puya (Puya chilensis)
Genus: Puya
Family: Bromeliaceae

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Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Chilean puya pictures

Distribution of Chilean puya

Distribution map

Central Chile

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Chilean puya

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Chilean puya care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks spring through summer growth

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 19-24°C as soon as ripe

Growing

Under glass grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light. Water moderately when in active growth in mid-spring to late summer and apply a low nitrogen fertiliser every 6-8 weeks. Plants will tolerate temperatures below 0°C for brief periods if acclimatised to cool winter conditions. In warm, sheltered gardens grow plants outdoors in a sunny spot in sharply draining soil and protect from winter wet

More growing and care information →