Werauhia bicolor Plant Care

Werauhia bicolor (Werauhia bicolor) belongs to the Bromeliaceae family within the Werauhia genus. Werauhia bicolor is native to Costa Rica. Werauhia bicolor is also known as Matchstick bromeliad.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Werauhia bicolor 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.

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

Werauhia bicolor tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Werauhia bicolor 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 Werauhia bicolor to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Werauhia bicolor 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.

Werauhia bicolor 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.

Werauhia bicolor 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 Werauhia bicolor 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.

Werauhia bicolor 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.

Werauhia bicolor 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.

Werauhia bicolor 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.

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