Catopsis Bromeliad Plant

The Catopsis bromeliad plant grows on twigs of trees in the sun. It is thought that this bromeliad plant is actually carnivorous. The tank of the Catopsis bromeliad attracts more insects than similar sized bromeliad plants. It is native to southern Florida. This bromeliad is usually found growing on trees and occasionally on rocks. They grow in dense shade and on rare occasions they will grow in filtered light. In 1864 was the first recorded description of the Catopsis bromeliad. There are 18 species of Catopsis bromeliads.

Growing Catopsis Bromeliad Plants

It grows well in 50% orchid bark mixed with 50% potting soil that has peat in it. The bark can dry out and collect salts, so it should be flushed occasionally. The Catopsis likes bright filtered light and doesn’t tolerate drying out. It does well in hanging baskets. During warm weather it can be outside. For hot dry weather it would be best to keep this bromeliad plant inside.

Carnivorous Or Not

It would depend on the definition of carnivorous. This plant has the following "carnivorous" traits:

  • Attracts insects
    the Catopsis bromeliad does this with its special nectar; it is not by accident that there are so many insects in its tank.
  • Retains insects
    this bromeliad stores or traps the insects in the pool of water.
  • Ability to use nutrients from the insect
    the catopsis absorbs the nutrients in its leaves once the insect decomposes.

Some define carnivorous plants by other means like a more dramatic "eating" of the insect like with the Venus Fly Trap.

The Catopsis Bromeliad Plant

The leaves are soft and spineless with chalky scurfing (powdery substance) on the waxy leaves. The scurfing can be white, gray, or silvery and the leaves can be green to yellow green. The inflorescences may be simple or branched and can also be erect or pendant. The Catopsis bromeliad plant has white or yellow flowers that will rise above the leaves. The male and female flowers are on separate plants. It is one of the bromeliads that have no registered hybrids.

In addition to Florida, the Catopsis bromeliad grows in the following places:

  • Mexico
  • Greater Antilles
  • West Indies
  • Trinidad
  • Central America
  • Northern South America

Catopsis Bromeliad Plant Care

They prefer high humidity. In the summer watering should be done 3-4x per week depending on the dryness of the environment. In the winter it can be cut down to 2-3x per week. Their leaves are thin so they are unable to store water and dry out fast. Weak fertilizing weekly usually is successful. It is among the smaller of the bromeliad plants. The Catopsis can be propagated from "pups" (small plants that form at the base) or from seed. Pups can be removed when they are 1/3 the size of the parent plant. Between October and March is the best time to do this.

This bromeliad makes a unique gift because of the possibility of it being a carnivorous plant. It is a good houseplant because of its easy care and it can be mounted in interesting ways.

Bromeliad Types

Other Bromeliad Types.