Alcantarea ampla Plant Care

Alcantarea ampla (Werauhia ampla) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Werauhia genus. Alcantarea ampla is native to Costa Rica. Alcantarea ampla is also known as Vriesea ampla.

Alcantarea ampla displays a clumping rosette growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Alcantarea ampla produces colorful bracts with small tubular flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alcantarea ampla every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alcantarea ampla thrives in bright indirect to dappled sunlight. Avoid placing Alcantarea ampla in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Werauhia ampla tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Alcantarea ampla prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining epiphytic mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Alcantarea ampla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alcantarea ampla every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to dappled sunlight and well-draining epiphytic mix with bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alcantarea ampla is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alcantarea ampla can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Alcantarea ampla while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Alcantarea ampla is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alcantarea ampla can be propagated through offsets (pups), seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to vriesea acuminata plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Alcantarea ampla is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alcantarea ampla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Alcantarea ampla is native to Costa Rica. In cooler regions, grow Alcantarea ampla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.