Queen's tears (Billbergia zebrina)

Queen's tears

Billbergia zebrina has a bright pink pendulous flower contrasted with silver banding around the leaves, making it stand out against other species in the genus. Its Latin name 'zebrina' is often used in nomenclature to point out stripes as a distinguishing feature of a plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Queen's tears (Billbergia zebrina)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Evergreen

Leaf type

Care Guide for Queen's tears

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Queen's tears absorbs water through its central urn, which should be filled to one-quarter capacity and replenished every 3-4 weeks in summer and 7-8 weeks in winter. A medium plant needs 1-1.5 mm of water daily, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Fertilize: Queen's tears requires minimal fertilizers during growth. Use a balanced water-soluble NPK (20:20:20) fertilizer, 8-10 grams per gallon of water, twice in spring and summer. In fall, opt for slow-release organic fertilizer. Avoid adding fertilizer directly to the container to prevent harmful salt accumulation.

Pruning: Queen's tears features striking foliage and cascading blooms, thriving with minimal pruning. Focus on early spring for removing dead or damaged parts to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Use sterilized tools and avoid over-pruning to maintain its natural shape and enhance aesthetic appeal.

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