billbergia

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At-A-Glance Information

​A relative of the Bromeliads, Billbergia represents a genus of plants that are evergreen and epiphytic. Water collects in leaf funnels, similar to Bromeliads, and they are considered to be 'medium-sized' plants. Flowers are brilliantly colored, appearing for a few hours before fading. These plants produce fruits that are brightly colored, as well. 

Billbergia Species and Varietals

The genus Billbergia is a member of the plant family Bromeliaceae and includes around 60 species. There are two sub-genera in this genus: Helicodea and Billbergia. The best way to differentiate members of these two groups is through flower composition. Helicodea plants have flowers that are recurved, and Billbergia contains flowers that flare out. Individual species and their varietals are listed and described below.
Billbergia: Subgenus Helicodea

Billbergia alfonsi-joannis
This species is commonly grown as a houseplant, and has many cultivars, including 'Alligator', 'Arctic Queen', 'Desiree', 'Gold Dust', 'Jingle Bells', 'Manta Ray', 'Pink Floriate', 'Satin Lady', 'Satin Magic', 'Satin Queen', 'Snowflake', 'Swordfish'.

Billbergia brasiliensis
​This species is native to Brazil and Bolivia, and includes cultivars such as 'Desert Ripple', 'Happy Days', 'Hazy Purple', 'Silversmith', 'Silverson', 'Titan', 'Venesii', and Billbergia brasiliensis x Bilmea 'Dolly'.

Billbergia decora (Helicodea baraquiana)
Native to Brasil and Bolivia, this species includes many cultivars: 'Bruantii', 'Leopoldii', 'Showboat', 'Sunset', 'Theodore L. Mead', and Billbergia decora x Bilmea 'Casper'. 

Billbergia formosa
This species is now rarely seen in its native range due to poaching and habitat destruction, and is native to Peru. It is grown as a houseplant, and commonly cultivated varieties include 'Caroliniana' and 'Wallonia'.

Billbergia macrolepis
This species is native to Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Guyana. It has a commonly cultivated varietal called 'Anubis'.

Billbergia porteana
This species is native to Brazil and Paraguay, and has a commonly grown cultivar 'Thelma Darling Hodge'.
Billbergia: Subgenus Billbergia

Billbergia amoena
Although this species is native to Brazil, it is cultivated worldwide as an ornamental houseplant.

Billbergia distachya
This species is endemic to Brazil and has many cultivars to choose from, including: 'Albertii', 'Conquistador', 'Crimson Candle', 'Fat Albert', 'Fat Albert's Brother', 'Grey Mist', 'Misty Steel', 'Pink Piglet', 'Purple Haze', 'Red Spot', 'Smokey Rose', 'Smokey Tricolor', 'Stimpy', 'White Spot'.

Billbergia leptopoda
Endemic to Brazil, this species has many cultivars commonly cultivated as houseplants, including: 'Cold Fusion', 'Curlew', 'Curly Top', 'Elfin', 'Genevieve', 'Harmony', 'JCS', 'Nez Misso', 'Olive Baldwin', 'Pink Surprise', 'Raspberry Parfait', 'Reward', 'Samson', 'Storm'.

Billbergia nutans (Queen's Tears)
This epiphytic plant is native to Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, and has many cultivars. This species is a commonly-grown houseplant.

Billbergia pyramidalis (Flaming Torch, Foolproof Plant)
This species of Billbergia is native to northern South America and parts of the Caribbean. The species was first described by John Sims, and was named by John Lindley. These plants form clumps of strappy foliage, and are useful groundcovers in tropical areas. Plants are sometimes also cultivated as indoor houseplants. Propagate via division.

Billbergia vittata 
This hardy species is native to Brazil and produces bright reddish-pink inflorescences with blue flowers. There are many cultivars of this species to choose from. 

Caring for Billbergia

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Aeschynanthus plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:​
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For more information on these problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

Learn about these interesting houseplants.
An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 
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