Pineapple Dyckia - Dyckia brevifolia

This is an update of my dyckia planted on December. They seemed to remain static for awhile and continued to remain in that manner eversince. I decided to plant more bromeliads to add some colour to them. The dyckias seems to sprout out more leaves and giving that star-like figure, still no new pups emerges anywhere.

Would you believe it that those rosettes are actually from a pineapple fruit. I actually got them from a supermarket on the friut section. It was during the Chinese New Year season, I guess this one was used for prayers rather than consumption. (I guess they are ornamental pineapples?)

There were 4 pups attached to the friut. Its a pity the crown of the pineapple didn't make it but I guess I can comfort myself to see that these 4 survived. I bought the fruit for about RM4.00 which is quite a deal if you consider buying them from a nursery (a small pot of a bromeliad pup might easily cost about RM9-RM12)

I later realised that the colour had somehow changed where the lighter border seemed to be more distinct and brighter and the dark green centre being more vibrant - it really don't look anything like a pineapple now. (or is it?)

These are quite hardy and really require no care at all. So, in a sense - you can count on them for a hardy garden theme factor. The only thing is the appearance factor. Hope no one will think that these are plastic spiky stuff. (somehow, they really do feel like one)

Pineapple Dyckia - Dyckia brevifolia

I had rescued this plant earlier this year.
(click here from the earlier post)
Somehow placing with the cactus plants didn't do well as the leaves then to droop and slowly dry up. I decided to put them outside where they get daily watering (well, almost daily) and they just spring back to life.

The only thing one must be very cautious of is their unforgiving spine & sharp edges. You will read everywhere concerning this when coming to handle this one: Handle with Extreme Caution.

I had tough time separating one of the pups from the root ball. They seemed to be tightly knitted together and its really, really tough in separating them. I had toiled almost for hours (or what it seemed like during the process of struggle) Well, with all the effort put together, its really worth it when you know this one is a real survivor.

These look so immaculately beautiful compared to the first time when I found them. You can easily mistaken this one as another pineapple crown replanted.
Some information concerning this plant:

a) Genes: Bromeliad
b) General Care: Very hardy plant. (drought tolerant, may rot when root ball is soggy)
c) Propagation: Pups emerging from the mother plant.

I had replanted them in a shallow pot and placed pebbles on it. Somehow I find it very interesting to set a little tortoise with it. Creates that ambiance of a secret garden kind of thing.
These are hidden from the direct view as I had placed few hanging curtain-like Spanish moss in front of it. (probably get a nice picture later for my secret garden theme post)

They do go well with my Golden Hahnii collection. I recently bought an Earth Star plant.
All I have to do is re-arrange them nicely for a great display of rossette plant corner.

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Stephanie from Steph's Green Space had posted to me a lovely christmas card together with some seeds.

Thank you Stephanie!

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