These plants, native to tropical America, are climbers. They are cultivated in cool greenhouses, or outside in the mild parts of North America for their decorative flowers. These are shaped like funnels, about 1½ inches long. They grow in dangling clusters and come in bright reds, roses, yellows or greens. The thin stems will grow 6-8 feet in length and are covered with oval, green leaves with twisted leaf stalks.

They need a greenhouse temperature of 45 degrees. They should be planted in a bed of soil or large tub because they won't tolerate root disturbance very well. The soil should be a mixture of equal parts of loam, peat and leaf mold. Sand should also be added. Wire support should be placed near the plant so it may climb. They need a lot of water during the summer, but throughout the winter the soil should be kept quite dry.

Seeds may be sown, an eighth inch deep, in pots of finely sifted, light soil in March. Lay a piece of glass over the pot and set in a temperature of 50-55 degrees. Plant the baby plants in 3-inch pots, and eventually in large tubs or in a bed of soil. In March, small offsets may be detached and potted or the plants can be separated and potted individually.

Bomarea Carderi;
Bomarea acutifolia;
Bomarea patacocensis.