Dyckia 'Brittle Star' is a fierce and fascinating bromeliad  — a compact, architectural rosette of stiff leaves edged with sharp, dramatic spines that shift from deep green in shade to rich maroon-red in full sun, creating a living display that changes with the light and seasons. She is tough, striking, and utterly unforgettable — a plant that commands attention and respect in equal measure.

Despite her formidable appearance, Dyckia 'Brittle Star' is a wonderfully rewarding and low-maintenance grower, thriving in hot, dry conditions with minimal care. She produces bright orange to yellow flower spikes in summer, adding a vivid burst of colour to her already dramatic display. A true collector's statement plant — bold, architectural, and built to last.

Plant Information

Botanical Name
Dyckia 'Brittle Star'

Common Name
Brittle Star Dyckia

Plant Family
Bromeliaceae (Bromeliad) — drought-tolerant terrestrial bromeliad

Leaf Colour
Deep green in shade to rich maroon-red in full sun — colour intensifies beautifully with increased sun exposure

Form
Compact rosette — stiff, arching leaves with a bold, architectural, spiky form

Flowers
Bright orange to yellow flower spikes in summer

Mature Size
20–30cm rosette diameter

Sunlight
Full sun to bright indirect light — thrives in hot, sunny positions

Watering
Deep, infrequent watering — highly drought tolerant once established

Soil
Well-draining succulent or cactus mix

Frost Tolerance
Light frost tolerant — protect below -2°C

Pot Size
Supplied in a 12cm pot

Important Notes

• Colour changes with sun: Leaves are deep green in shade and turn rich maroon-red in full sun — more sun means more dramatic colour
• Handle with care: Leaf margins are armed with sharp spines — handle carefully and position away from high-traffic areas and children
• Drought tough: Extremely drought tolerant once established — perfect for hot, dry gardens and water-wise landscaping
• Summer flowering: Produces striking orange to yellow flower spikes in summer — a dramatic seasonal display
• Clumping habit: Produces offsets with age, forming an impressive clumping display — offsets can be separated and propagated
• Delivery: Delivered across South Africa — please ensure someone is available to receive your plant

Perfect for succulent collectors, container gardens, and decorative plant displays.