The genus racinaea

The Genus Racinaea
 
There has been a lot of interest lately in the different species of Racinaea that we grow and offer for sale. Racinaea have unusual shapes, some with twisted curly edged leaves. Some species even have semi-bulbous rosettes. They are very popular with those who grow plants in vivariums or terrariums.  Therefore, I thought I would do a little "general care" write up for this Genus. 
 
The genus Racinaea belongs to the Bromeliaceae family and is composed of epiphytic plants native to Central and South America, particularly in montane cloud forests. Formerly considered part of the Tillandsia genus, Racinaea was later reclassified due to distinct morphological and genetic differences. There are currently 86 recognized species listed in the Encyclopaedia of Bromeliads, which is one of the best online sources for Bromeliad species information.

Key Characteristics:

1. Growth Habit: Most Racinaea species are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants without being parasitic. They thrive in humid, misty environments such as cloud forests. They range in size from a few inches to two feet tall with an inflorescence a few inches tall to as much as 4-6 feet.
2. Leaves: The leaves are often soft, narrow, and form a rosette, which helps collect water. Many have a bulbous shaped rosette. The leaves range in color from light green, to reddish brown, to brown. Several species have colorful dark spotting on their leaves.
3. Flowers: The inflorescences are usually simple, a few are branched, and range in color from yellow, red, orange, brown, green to almost black. Many species are less showy than other bromeliads. 
4. Adaptability:  We grow all our Racinaea in about 60-70 shade, in an unheated greenhouse. Temperatures range from 36 F to 90F. These species are less drought-tolerant than other bromeliads. They are considered mesic species, as they are found growing in moist humid areas where there is an abundance of moisture available to them.​ They prefer reverse osmosis water, or water with a low mineral content.

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Notable Racinaea Species

Racinaea crispa
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Description: Known for its curly, crisped leaves, this species is particularly distinctive. The leaf edges tend to roll inward, creating a twisted appearance.  We currently offer three forms of crispa - green, red or yellow.

• Habitat: Native to humid cloud forests, 800 to 1800 meters in Panama and Columbia.

Care Tip: This species thrives in high humidity and moderate light conditions.They prefer filtered water.

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Racinaea tillii
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​Description: A small to medium size species with a distinct bulbous rosette.
​Habitat: Found growing from 2400 - 2700 meters elevation in Ecuador.

• Care Tip: Prefers filtered light and good airflow to prevent rot.

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Racinaea penduliscpica

• Description: Notable for its compact rosette and branching inflorescences. Inflorescence can vary from yellow-orange to bright red.
• Habitat: Found growing in Ecuador,Peru and Bolivia at elevations 900-2100 meters. Thrives in wet, shaded areas of tropical forests.
• Care Tip: Needs regular watering and a shaded spot, as it can dry out quickly in bright light. Prefers clean water.

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​Racinaea hamaleana

Description: This medium sized Racinaea forms a stemless rosette and branched inflorescence which rises above the foliage. It produces beautiful open purple petals with white centers. The flowers are pleasantly fragrant. We grow two sizes, a small form and a larger form. This image is the larger one.
Habitat:  Found growing in the cloud forest, 540-1500 m elevation in Ecuador and Panama. 
​Care Tip: Needs regular watering.  Grow in medium to bright light.

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Racinaea Dr. Seuss

• Description: This hybrid was created by Jeffrey Kent, Kent's Bromeliads.  It appears to be hybrid of Racinaea dyeriana and pendulispica

Habit: Grows tall, upright leaves, sometimes spotted like those of dyeriana. The outer edge of the leaves are slightly undulated.
Inflorescence: Tall, heavily branched with strong orange, sometimes yellow-orange color.
Care Tip: Prefers shady conditions and clean water. 

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     Racinaea are a perfect addition to any vivarium. They will thrive in the conditions of most vivariums which usually have just enough humidity and light.