Orthophytum gurkenii
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- or-tho-FY-tum gur-KEH-nee-eye
- Description
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Gurken's orthophytum is a lithophytic herbaceous perennial native to the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais and is found in tropical and subtropical forests. This rare plant has leaves that resemble a zebra or snake pattern and is used as an ornamental houseplant. The plant is a member of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). The specific epithet, gurkenii, references Luiz Carlos Gurken, who discovered and collected many new and rare species of Bromeliaceae in Brazil.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained potting mix. To develop its almost black leaf color, it requires direct sunlight. If there is inadequate light, the leaves turn olive green. This plant does not have a central cup to store water like many other species in the Bromeliaceae. The plant is propagated by pups or offsets produced by the parent plant. It can also be propagated by seed, but this method is unreliable.
The bromeliad grows 6 to 8 inches tall and up to 8 inches wide. It has thick, chocolate-brown to nearly black leaves with horizontal silver-white, zig-zag banding. The leaves are narrow but triangular and measure 8 to 10 inches long and are arranged in a rosette. The leaf margins have sharply toothed spines. Lime green plantlets produce small, white tubular flowers. The plantlets are arranged in clusters on the tip of a 1.5-to-2-foot spike. The seeds are small, black, and egg-shaped. Seedlings have dark green leaves with a white line in the center of the leaf.
Consider this plant for its unusual foliage color and pattern as an ornamental houseplant.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Overwatering can cause root rot.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Orthophytum
- Species:
- gurkenii
- Family:
- Bromeliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Brazil
- Distribution:
- Brazil Southwest
- Play Value:
- Easy to Grow
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Erect
- Appendage:
- Spines
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- The seeds are small, black, and egg-shaped.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Insignificant
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Lime green plantlets produce small, white tubular flowers that bloom in late spring to summer. The plantlets are arranged in clusters on the tip of a 1.5 to 2 foot spike.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Black
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Deltoid
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are thick, chocolate brown to nearly black with horizontal silver-white, zig-zag banding that resembles a zebra or snake pattern. Each leaf is narrow but triangular and measures 8 to 10 inches long and is arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaf margins have sharply toothed spines. If the leaves receive insufficient light, they will become olive green.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity
