Deuterocohnia lorentziana
 
Common Names Lorentz’s Cushion Bromeliad, Silverspike Ground Star
 
Zones 9A–11B
 
A terrestrial bromeliad native to Bolivia’s arid highlands, Deuterocohnia lorentziana forms dense, mounded cushions of stiff, triangular rosettes. Each leaf is tipped with a sharp spine and cloaked in silvery-white hairs, giving the plant a frosted, metallic sheen. Though individual rosettes measure just 1 inch across, mature colonies can reach up to 2 feet tall. In late winter to early spring, yellow-green tubular flowers emerge, adding a subtle contrast to its silvery foliage.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Cushion-forming mound; terrestrial; slow clumper
Size: Up to 24 in (60 cm) tall; rosettes 1 in (2.5 cm) wide
Leaves: Triangular, stiff, silvery-white due to reflective hairs; sharp terminal spine
Flowers: Yellow-green; tubular; ~1 in (2.5 cm) long; bloom late winter to early spring
Fruit: Inconspicuous; not ornamental
Ecology: Adapted to high-altitude drought; absorbs moisture from fog and air
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to bright indirect; tolerates high UV exposure
Watering: Soak and dry method; allow soil to fully dry between waterings
Soil: Well-draining mix with sand, perlite, bark, and humus; avoid soggy conditions
Temperature: 20–85°F (−6.7–29°C); protect from winter wetness
Humidity: Low to moderate; thrives in arid conditions
Propagation: By offsets or seed; slow to divide
Tolerance: High drought tolerance; sensitive to overwatering and winter wet
 
Landscape Use Ideal for rock gardens, alpine beds, and xeriscapes. Pairs well with Agave parryi, Echeveria elegans, and Sedum spathulifolium. Also suitable as a specimen in shallow containers or trough gardens.