Puya

Puya is a large genus consisting of 170 species of South American terrestrial bromeliads in the
Bromeliaceae family. They include the largest of all bromeliads, some species growing to about 6
meters. They are cultivated in gardens as shrubs. The leaves stand out boldly from a basal
rosette and they often have hollow stems. Large blue, purple or yellow flowers are held on
unbranched spikes or in dense panicles. The fruit are capsules that enclose winged seeds.
These plants can grow in a wide range of soils provided they are well drained, and prefer a
sunny position. As with all members of the bromeliad family, keep them away from footpaths
because the leaves bear sharp spines along the margins. Prune to remove damaged foliage and
propagate by division of offsets or from seed. They grow well in raised garden beds, rockeries
and in large pots.

Puya chilensis
Puya chilensis is a terrestrial bromeliad originating from the arid hillsides of Chile. An evergreen
perennial it forms large, dense rosettes of grey-green, strap like leaves edged with hooked
spines. The green-yellow flowers are born on spikes up to 2 m high and which resemble a
medieval mace. Spreading by offsets; over time Puya chilensis can colonize large areas. Leaf
spines point inward as well as outward and have been known to trap birds and small animals.
Unable to escape the victim dies of starvation and its decaying body then provides additional
nutrients to the plant.
Puya chilensis is easily raised from seed and when young can make a fine house plant. It is cold
hardy and if grown outside it is able to withstand light frosts and may even survive brief
overnight temperatures as low as minus five degrees Celsius. In colder regions it will require
some winter protection and is best either grown in a conservatory, in a pot, or brought inside
during winter. Puya chilensis requires a well-drained, lime free soil. It is drought tolerant but will
appreciate plenty of water during the summer months. It is susceptible to rotting during winter if
too wet. It will tolerate some shade but is best grown in full sun. The spines, even on very young
plants, are very sharp and can cause injury. Plants should be handled with great care. Thick
protective clothing is recommended. Always plant away from path edges and areas where
children are likely to play.

Puya coerulea var. violacea

Puya coerulea var. violacea is an evergreen perennial terrestrial bromeliad that grows in Chile's
Mediterranean region at 3,000 to 5,000 feet in elevation. The narrow silvery-green spine
margined foliage grows in dense tufts to 1 meter tall from which arise the tall scarlet-branched
stalks of dark purple flowers with prominent yellow stamen in spring. Plant it in full sun to light
shade in a well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and cold hardy to -6.7C. Makes large clumps
in the garden and is also good as a durable container plant. This is a very easy plant in
cultivation.

Puya mirabilis

Puya mirabilis is an evergreen perennial terrestrial bromeliad native to Argentina and Bolivia. In
nature these plants will reach around 1.8 meters tall, but in containers their size is reduced to
about 60 cm tall. The grass-like foliage grows from basal rosettes and has many spines along
the margins. The spines are not sharp or stiff as in some bromeliads. The flowers are elegant,
flaring, lime green bells that are held in fuzzy purple-grey calyxes of up to 15 per stem. They are
nicely displayed on stiff upright 1.5 meter stems. They will form large clumps if planted in the
landscape. They produce offsets freely and clumps can reach up to 2.5 to 3 meters wide. Plants
are interesting in that they don't resemble most bromeliads.

Puya venusta
Puya venusta is a rare evergreen perennial terrestrial bromeliad found in certain portions of
Chile including Punta Teatinos and Cerro La Campana. In La Campana National Park Puya
venusta is associated with the endangered Chilean Wine Palm, Jubaea chilensis. Puya venusta
produces splendid and eye-catching rosettes of silvery-grey, succulent, spiny leaves. It will form
a great pink stemmed, wax-like spike. The spike is completely filled with deep reddish-violet
flowers. A spectacular eye-catching Chilean Puya! It is drought tolerant and cold hardy to -5C.
Makes large clumps in the garden and is also good as a durable container plant. This is a very
easy plant in cultivation.

Germination and Care Instructions

Growing Puya plants from seeds is easy. From our experience they germinate quite readily albeit
erratic with some seeds germinating within 14 days others planted at the same time can take up
to 35+ days or maybe more up to 2 months in some cases. Please be patient if they don't all
sprout at once and don't throw any away until you have allowed sufficient time to pass. Normally
as a rule however germination happens fairly quickly.
The tiny seeds should be started indoors and sown directly onto the surface of a sandy / cactus
compost growing medium, another popular choice is a 50/50 mix of seed starting compost and
fine grit which can be used when potting on also.
Very lightly cover the seeds with a fine sprinkle of the medium so that light can still penetrate
the surface as these seeds need lots of light to germinate.
To encourage germination it would be ideal to use bottom heat to maintain a soil temperature of
15-25C which in our experience is the optimum temperature range to kick start the little seed
into life.
Once your seeds have germinated and have several true leaves you can pot them on into
individual planters or seedling pots. Remember that the seedlings will be very small and delicate
but if cared for and grown correctly they will soon become established and from that point on
they can almost take care of themselves. Keep seedlings in semi-partial shade and away from
very hot temperatures. Once established your Puya will happily bake away in the sun. Water
moderately whenever the soil is almost dry. It is important to avoid letting the soil completely
dry out, remember damp but not soggy. Never let the pots sit in a tray of water and keep fairly
dry throughout the winter months, unless temperatures are above freezing. Feed with ordinary
vegetable fertilizer at 1/3 of the recommended dosage once a month during the growing season
which is from early spring to mid-autumn.

Some Puya varieties can take several years to produce flower spikes but this time can be
reduced dramatically by using a well-balanced plant hormone or fertilizers and taking good care
of the plant.