Photo of Callisia fragrans foliage by David J. Stang

Photo by David J. Stang

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Callisia fragrans

Also Known As

  • False Bromeliad Plant

Plant type

perennial, bromeliad

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 4'-6'

planting zones

  • 10b-11

More Options

Callisia fragrans plant details

Aptly named the False Bromeliad plant, the fleshy rosettes of Callisia fragrans really do look the part, especially in full sun where the leaves spread flatter and develop purple tones. They're more upright and green with less light. Outdoors in warm climates, they spread to form a colony. Indoors, they make nice beginner-friendly houseplants and terrarium additions. Spires of white tiny flowers shoot up about 1 foot above the foliage.

Callisia fragrans is an evergreen perennial bromeliad with burgundy, green and variegated foliage. In spring and winter white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Callisia fragrans

Plant type: perennial bromeliad
Plant family: commelinaceae
Foliage: evergreen burgundy, green and variegated
Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and winter
Uses: houseplant, terrarium plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Callisia fragrans

USDA Zones: 10b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Callisia fragrans is another plant in this wandering Jew family. I really like plants from this group since they often look like they belong to other families of plants. Callisia fragrans is often called the false bromeliad plant. Due to the fact it looks just like a bromeliad. The leaves are held in a rosette and can turn dark pink to purple in full sun. Mature plants can be over 1 foot across but it can be kept small in terrariums. Flowers are often several feet high and tons of white flowers on many brackets. This plant is very easy to grow and spreads by runners or vines. Plants sold mature bare rooted plants 1 foot long or so.

Gardening facts about Callisia fragrans plant

How to Grow Callisia fragrans

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • green
    • burgundy
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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