|
If you’re tired of buying expensive cut flower arrangements for your dining room table or the reception
desk in your office, think about using bromeliads. These simple to care for, spectacular
looking flowering plants stay in bloom for 6-10 weeks and adapt to almost any situation. There are numerous varieties to choose
from with different leaf colors and beautiful flowers in red, burgundy, pink, white, yellow, orange, or a mixture of colors.
Use a single bromeliad or combine three plants of differing height and different colored flowers to create your own special
arrangement.
Houseplant 411 for the iPhone & i Pod Touch
|
CARE OF BROMELIADS
Light: Bromeliads are very adaptable, and there is a variety for every light condition. If your bromeliad has thin green
leaves it can survive in low light; if it has thick gray leaves it needs high light. No bromeliad should ever be placed in
direct sunlight. If the leaves start to turn pale green or yellow, the plant is getting too much light; if the leaves are
getting further apart and turning dark green, the plant needs more light. Water:
Bromeliads are drought resistant and need very little water. Over watering is the number one reason why bromeliads die. This
plant has very small roots that easily rot from too much water. Temperature:
This tropical plant can survive in temperatures ranging from 40-100 degrees; but do best when your home or office is 70-75
degrees during the day and ten degrees cooler at night. The blooms on a bromeliad last longer when the temperature is cool
and the light is medium to low. Fertilizer: Bromeliads do not need much
fertilizer; every other month with a ½ strength solution of plant food is more than enough. Never fertilize in the
winter or if your bromeliad is in very low light. Propagation: Once the
blooms die small plants called pups will grow from the base of your bromeliad. When they are several inches tall, cut the
pups off and plant them in 4” pot of loose soil. Be careful not to over water while the roots are developing. This new
plant will bloom in 1-3 years.
 |
| Bromeliad Lunaa |
|
| Bromeliad Samba |
|
1. The blooms on my bromeliad start to fade in a couple of weeks. How can I get them to last longer?
Move
your bromeliad to a cooler less bright location and the blooms should start to last 6-8 weeks.
2. Can I get my bromeliad to bloom again?
Bromeliads do not usually bloom a second time. The baby bromeliads,
pups, which you cut off of the main plant, can be encouraged to bloom. When the pups are over a year old, place them in a
plastic bag with a piece of apple. The ethylene gas produced by the ripening fruit will help the bromeliad bloom.
3. I’m going on vacation for three weeks; can I leave my bromeliad sitting in water
so it will be okay while I’m gone?
Absolutely not! Bromeliads do not like to sit in water; it’s a
perfect way to kill them. Place your plant in a cool low light area. It may dry out a bit, but will be just fine.
4. I just bought a bromeliad and was told to water it by putting bottled water in its center
cup? Is this necessary?
I don’t recommend it. Putting water in the center cup encourages bacteria and fungus
to attack your bromeliad. Water sparingly around the roots; and avoid water that has a high salt content.
|
