Cyrtococcum

Description

Cyrtococcum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae. The genus is native to Central and South America, particularly Brazil. It is a small genus with only two known species: Cyrtococcum patens and Cyrtococcum pygmaeum. These plants are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, and have rosettes of leaves that form a central cup that can hold water.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Liliopsida
Order	Poales
Family	Bromeliaceae
Genus	Cyrtococcum

Appearance

The leaves of Cyrtococcum plants form a rosette that can range in size from a few centimeters to over a meter in diameter. The leaves are typically thick and leathery, with a waxy coating that helps them retain moisture. The inflorescence is a spike that emerges from the center of the rosette, with small flowers that can range in color from white to pink to purple. The flowers are typically fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Care Guide

Cyrtococcum plants are relatively easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors in warm, humid climates. Here are some tips for caring for your Cyrtococcum:

• Water: Water your Cyrtococcum regularly, keeping the central cup filled with water. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause them to rot.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your Cyrtococcum once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Cyrtococcum plants do not require soil, as they are epiphytes. Instead, they can be grown on a piece of bark or other porous material.
• Sunlight: Cyrtococcum plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.
• Hardiness Zones: Cyrtococcum plants are hardy in USDA zones 10-12.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cyrtococcum plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few issues to watch out for:

• Scale: Scale insects can infest Cyrtococcum plants, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap.
• Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot in Cyrtococcum plants. To prevent this, make sure the central cup does not overflow and allow the roots to dry out slightly between waterings.

Habitat

Cyrtococcum plants are native to Central and South America, where they grow as epiphytes in humid forests. They can be found growing on the trunks and branches of trees, where they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and rainwater.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Cyrtococcum plants be grown indoors?

A: Yes, Cyrtococcum plants can be grown indoors in a bright, humid location.

Q: How often should I water my Cyrtococcum plant?

A: Water your Cyrtococcum plant regularly, keeping the central cup filled with water. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause them to rot.

Q: Do Cyrtococcum plants require soil?

A: No, Cyrtococcum plants do not require soil, as they are epiphytes. Instead, they can be grown on a piece of bark or other porous material.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cyrtococcum plants?

A: Cyrtococcum plants are hardy in USDA zones 10-12.

Related Plants

• Ananas
• Billbergia
• Neoregelia
• Tillandsia

References

• “Cyrtococcum.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
• Foster, Michael S. “Growing Bromeliads: Cyrtococcum.” The Bromeliad Society International.
• “Cyrtococcum.” The Plant List.