Billbergia nutans aka Friendship Plant

Taxonomy

Billbergia nutans, also known as Queen's-tears or Rainbow Tears, is an epiphytic bromeliad native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. This tropical beauty is often used as an ornamental plant and is known for its moderate-to-fast growth. Its strap-like leaves feature cream-colored striped variegation, and in the summer, vibrant pink flower stems emerge, reaching up to 15cm (6in). The pendulous flowers have green-pink petals with blue edges. Native to the South American tropics, this majestic plant nourishes itself primarily through its leaves and flowers rather than roots. Its arching leaves can grow up to 15 inches (40 cm) in length, and the stem produces shiny pink bracts with tear-like blooms in pink-blue-green hues. Billbergia nutans truly lives up to its name as the Queen's tears or Rainbow Tears.

Common names

Friendship Plant, Queen's Tears

How to care for Friendship Plant

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Friendship Plant, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Friendship Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Friendship Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Friendship Plant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.


More info:
Wikipedia