I think that there is a high correlation between seed size and growth rate and it sure is nice to have fast growing seedlings.

It those were sewn 4 weeks ago they are slow compared to the ones I am growing...they germinate fast here 5-7 days. I think Japie's germinated that fast also. at 4 weeks mine were about 5 inches tall

Aechmeas do tend to be a lot faster than Neos. I don't think seed size has anything to do with it, though. If that were the case, Cryptanthus should be faster than any of them, as they have really big seeds.

Hi Rick, great to see. They look about 5 times the size of my one year old Vr. 'Nova' play-around seedlings. What a buzz! Are you feeding them a lot? Cheers, Paul

Rick, instead of planting all the seeds from mine (a ton), I'll just enjoy watching yours grow . Keep on top of the updates!

Nick,
I'm only trying to grow out the seedlings after seeing that nice Rubra picture that you posted a while ago. I didn't realise how big bracteata was in real life.

HDD,
My seeds showed signs of germination after only 2days, I guess if yours were 5" tall after one month then I've got a little catching up to do. Any tips? or is it just that everything is bigger in Texas.

Lisa,
Good info on seed size, I don't think I'll be growing Crypt seeds anytime soon.

Paul,
I've only given them a couple of light feeds, I might increase that a little now that I know they are suffering from drawfism, Vrieseas are fun to grow out - I've got some hieroglyphicas that I've been trying to keep alive, they are about a couple of inches high now.

Gonzer,
I think you should plant a couple, I haven't had the best success rate of growing seeds out to maturity. It sure is amazing how many seeds are in each of those berries.

Rick

I sent bracteata seeds to the BSI seed fund last summer. Those seeds came from the pups of the mother that I collected from.

BTW, I think you'd get bigger seedlings if they weren't so crowded.

I don't have a newer pictures, this is from last May, 11 months old. I also have another red leafed clone that has darker spines but something came and ate all the ripe berries.

{{gwi:436765}}

I am in agreement with Rick, this rubra clone is indeed very nice. I fully understand that he got hooked.

Rick i'm guessing they are from Ray and Martha's aechmea. They look fantastic, i'll be around soon to collect some from you. lol

Nick,
Thanks for the advice, I've thinned them out somewhat - I didn't realise how many seeds I had placed into that container.

Matt,
You are more than welcome to some seedlings. I'll even throw in a takeaway food container if you are keen.

Cheers,

Rick

That is a nice red bracteata. Are the rubra forms kind of uncommon in collections? And man, that sounds like they are fast buggers.
-andy

Most people I know grow red leafed or variegated forms. The "normal" one doesn't excite.