Bromeliad
is the common name for a family of plants that contain many of the most
ornamental and interesting types of plants available to the decorator/hobbyist.
With one exception, all the species in the dozen or so genera are from
the New World. In addition, bromeliads are possibly the newest plants
to evolve on earth, making their appearance some 10 million years ago
(flowering plants began about 60 million years ago). The most popular
genera are: Tillandsia with so many artistically fascinatingly shaped
air plants, Guzmania and Vriesea with such colorful and long lasting
inflorescences, Neoregelia with its kaleidoscope-colored leaves, Aechmea
featuring Aechmea fasciata with huge, beautiful pink bloom spike, and
"Earth Star" Cryptanthus with its smaller, colorful species.
Most bromeliads
have leaves radiating from a central point creating a rosette that forms
a water holding tank. This ability allows bromeliads in Nature to survive
periods of drought and, by extension, need watering only periodically
in the home. Many fine books have been written about bromeliads and
it is beyond the scope of this web site to get into detail. Most
bromeliads are potted, unlike tillandsias.
This means their care is a little different because the soil has to
be watered periodically. The greener, softer leaved bromeliads, such
as Guzmanias and Vrieseas, will burn if subjected to much direct sunlight.
Likewise, the grayer, stiffer leaved bromeliads that have spines on
the edges of the leaves will need more light over time than the previously
mentioned types. However, in many hot, dry areas they, too, may burn
with much direct sunlight. They just like bright indirect light.
Indoor
Care
Water
the center cups and soil with bottled drinking or rainwater every
two weeks or so. When the water in the cup dries out and/or the
soil becomes pretty dry, it is time to water. The plants don't need
a lot of water in the cups indoors.
Outdoor
Care
Water
the plants with a hose whenever you water. Be careful not to put
them into direct sunlight. Bright light is best. Don't let the plants
freeze. Move them inside somewhere when the temperatures approach
freezing. A small amount of fertilizer in the soil added periodically
is good.
Offsets
Most bromeliads
produce offsets when they bloom. These can be grown to maturity . When
the offset(s) grow to be 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother plant, cut
them off where they attach and pot them in a fast-draining soil mix.
They should root quickly and continue growing. Treat them the same as
a mature plant. Don't ever let the soil become soggy for too long. This
shouldn't happen in a fast-draining mix.
