Catopsis
The genus Catopsis belongs to the family Bromeliaceae and the Tillandsioideaev subfamily. The name derives from “kata” the Greek word for “hanging down” combined with “opsis” or “appearance”. You can find varieties of Catopsis from Florida, running parts of Brazil in the East, as well as the Caribbean.
Catopsis Quick Facts
| Common name | Catopsis |
| Scientific name | Catopsis |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Type | Bromeliad (family Bromeliaceae) |
| Diet | Possibly insects in leaf urn (unconfirmed) |
| Habitat | Very bright, humid places; frost-tender |
| Native range | Florida, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America |
| Special feature | One species may be carnivorous; plant dies after flowering |
| Kingdom | Plantae (Plants) |
| (Unranked) | Angiosperms |
| (Unranked) | Monocots |
| (Unranked) | Commelinids |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Subfamily | Tillandsioideae |
| Genus | Catopsis |
However, there are many species, but you can consider only Catopsis berteroniana as a possible carnivorous plant, though it is yet unconfirmed. The plant grows over a large range from south Florida all through México (Campeche, Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco estados and Veracruz), the Islands of the Caribbean and Central America, Brazil and Venezuela there are nearly twenty known varieties of Catopsis. Though they almost look-alike, the varieties found in hot and dry areas are comparatively smaller than those found in cooler and more humid areas are.
Tips for Domestic Cultivation
Cultivation
Cultivation conforms to that of Brocchinia. Catopsis grows in exceptionally bright conditions, needs protection from frost, but requires an ample abundance of humidity. You can carry out the process of watering simply by pouring disinfected water straight into the urn. You may feed it by occasionally throwing into a bug in the urn or leaf axils.
Propagation
You can propagate catopsis through pup as the plant dies after flowering. It seems, as the plant dies, it leaves behind only one replacement pup, which you may use for maintaining your plants rather than propagating the same. Some horticulturists reportedly got hold of seed readily from their plants, so it is uncertain if the plants are dioecious. It could be a trait restricted to some varieties. Apparently, the feathery seeds dispersed by wind germinate quickly.
Catopsis FAQs
What is Catopsis?
Catopsis is a group of about twenty bromeliads. The name comes from Greek words meaning ‘hanging down’ and ‘appearance’.
Is Catopsis a carnivorous plant?
Possibly, but nobody has confirmed it. Only one kind, Catopsis berteroniana, is thought to be a possible carnivore.
Where does Catopsis grow?
Catopsis grows from south Florida through Mexico and Central America to the Caribbean, Brazil and Venezuela.
How do you water a Catopsis?
Pour clean water straight into the central urn formed by the leaves. It likes bright light and lots of humidity, and it needs protection from frost.
How does Catopsis make baby plants?
The plant dies after it flowers, but it leaves behind a replacement pup. Its feathery seeds also blow in the wind and sprout quickly.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
