Dyckia Bromeliads
Belonging to the Piticairnioidaeae group of bromeliads the dyckia is recognised as an ancient genus of plants. Some 150 species are known and a multitude of hybrids have been developed.
Dyckias are found growing only in the ground or attached to rocks. With thick spiny foliage they are often considered a succulent but are not in fact designed to store water in their leaves. They are also without a central water holding cup as seen in many commonly cultivated bromeliad groups.
Though most are found in Brazil there are some dyckia species to be observed in other parts of South America.
Dyckia Description
Dyckias
typically have hard pointed leaves. Spines or teeth are seen on the
leaf margin with few exceptions. As the plant matures the leaves will
often curl laterally. Leaf colour ranges from green, different shades
of red, browns and tans, silver, or even black. Dyckia leaves always
grow in a rosette but the actual leaf shape can differ in length, width
and shape. Flowers grow from the end of a long stalk with petals
coloured red, orange or yellow.Growing Conditions
The
dyckia is one of the toughest bromeliads regarding growing
conditions. Most can survive and thrive in full sun, while winter
chills are also tolerated by many. Prolonged dry spells are also
endured until the drought is broken. For best growth the dyckia should
be positioned in the brightest sun it can adapt to and watered with
regularity.The growth medium should be suited to terrestrial types of bromeliad. A typical mix might contain coarse sand and organic soil. A conservative dose of slow release fertiliser should be added when potting and through growth periods. Alternately weak liquid ferliliser can be applied weekly or with every watering.
Dyckias can be kept in the ground or in a pot. Using pots can give the leaves full freedom to curl downward as they please. Large root systems are typical of dyckias so adequate pot space should be provided to encourage maximum mature size.
For a list of dyckia species names see them alphabetically displayed on Dyckia species A - M and Dyckia species N - Z.
