Hechtia

Hechtia (pronounced HECKtia) is a small genus of bromeliad related to the pineapple and Spanish Moss. While many other bromeliad genera have hundreds of species, Hechtia boasts only fifty. They can be found natively in areas that are primarily arid. They thrive in bright, sunny deserts. Hechtia are not succulents, but they can be treated as such. They do not hold water in their tissue the way true succulents do. Instead, they slow their growth when water is not available. Use gritty potting mix that is well draining. Adding some coarse sand, perlite, or small stones to regular potting mix should provide appropriate drainage for these plants. To keep them growing quickly and healthily, water them regularly during the spring and summer growing season. Allow the potting mix to dry a bit between waterings, as too much water can cause rot. In the winter, hold back on the water. It is better for the plant to be too dry than too wet. They prefer full sun to only very light shade if at all.