Navia incrassata
Navia incrassata
Navia incrassata
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Taxonomy
Family Bromeliaceae · Genus Navia
Description
Navia incrassata is a collector’s bromeliad from the Guayana Shield tepuis. It forms compact, mineral-loving rosettes and thrives in bright light, cool nights, and an airy, acidic mix. Slow but rewarding, it suits greenhouses or dedicated indoor setups with high humidity and excellent airflow.
Common Names
Navia incrassataGuayana Shield bromeliadNavia
Context
nativeRegion
Endemic to the Guayana Shield highlands (tepuis) of northern South America, particularly Venezuela and adjacent areas.
usdaZones
Best in containers/greenhouse; outdoors only in frost-free, mild climates (approx. USDA 10–11 with cool nights).
companionPlants
Heliamphora spp., Brocchinia reducta, Utricularia spp., Drosera spp., Catopsis berteroniana
culturalUses
Specialist ornamental and conservation/education interest; no widespread traditional uses recorded.
Care
Care Requirements
LightVery bright light to several hours of gentle direct sun; acclimate carefully. Under grow lights, provide high intensity; avoid deep shade.
WateringKeep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Use rain, RO, or distilled water; flush the medium regularly to prevent salt buildup. Slightly reduce in cooler months without allowing to fully dry.
SoilExtremely fast-draining, acidic, mineral mix: 50–70% coarse materials (pumice/perlite/quartz sand) with the rest fine bark and a touch of sphagnum/peat. Avoid lime and compact soils.
FertilizerLight feeder. Apply urea-free, dilute (1/8–1/4 strength) during active growth every 4–6 weeks; flush with pure water between feeds.
HumidityHigh (60–90%) with strong airflow to prevent rot; avoid stagnant, hot, humid conditions.
TemperatureDays 65–78°F (18–26°C), nights 50–60°F (10–16°C). Heat above 86°F (30°C) stresses the plant; frost sensitive.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitTerrestrial/saxicolous bromeliad forming compact, clumping rosettes; offsets gradually build a colony.
Mature SizeTypically 6–12 in (15–30 cm) wide and 4–10 in (10–25 cm) tall; inflorescence can extend above the rosette.
Growth RateSlow to moderate under bright, cool conditions.
BloomingOpportunistic, often late spring to summer; showy bracts with small flowers. Individual rosettes may decline after blooming while pups take over.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cooler, shorter-day periods.
Propagation
MethodsOffsets (pups), Seed
DifficultyAdvanced
Best SeasonSpring–summer for dividing pups; sow seed fresh in warm, bright conditions.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove spent inflorescences and dead leaves with clean tools; wear gloves to avoid leaf edge abrasions.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years or when pups crowd the pot. Use a wide, well-ventilated pot with fresh, very fast-draining, acidic medium.
Pests & DiseasesMealybugs, scale, and spider mites in dry air; root/heart rot from poor drainage or stagnant conditions. Prioritize airflow and pure water.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to pets and people; leaf margins may be sharp—handle with care.
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