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Bromeliad
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Bromeliads are a member of the pineapple family which is technically called the "Bromeliacae Family". This
family encompasses over 2,000 species plus thousands of hybrids. Bromeliads have been grown in greenhouses in
Europe for nearly 200 years while here in the U.S. their popularity is just beginning.
Bromeliads are native to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean and Mexico areas, with a few
plants in Southern United States. They are found in every conceivable environment; hot deserts, cool mountains, warm
rain forests and even on sunny beaches. They require very little care and thrive on neglect.
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Light:
Bromeliads with soft, thin leaves that form a water holding cup usually require semi-shaded or
shaded conditions. Those with stiff, spiny, scaly or succulent leaves prefer bright light to full sun. As a general rule, the
stiffer and stouter the leaves, the more light needed to bring out the plant's true characteristics. Bromeliads can also
be grown under artificial lights.
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Fertilizer:
Use Oxygen Plus Indoor Plant Food, one quarter to one half the strength recommended. Apply
monthly to soil medium, leaves and water cup.
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Watering:
Because of the shape and structure of the plant, water is trapped in the cup or the vase-like structure
and then runs down in somewhat of a spiral fashion into the soil. As a result, they do not require frequent watering.
(About every 10 days to three weeks depending upon light intensity.) It is important not to allow stagnant water to
remain in the "cup" (central part of leaves), therefore it is recommended that the cup be emptied every two weeks.
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Temperatures:
House temperatures are ideal for these plants, usually between
55o and 85o F.
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Blooms:
The blooms are extremely attractive with an exceptional range of colors. Because of the waxy nature
of the bloom (they actually feel like leaves), the color of the Bromeliad bloom can endure up to 8 months. After
a Bromeliad has bloomed, it will slowly die over a period of up to one year, but not before it reproduces up to 12 clones.
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Transplanting:
New plants, called pups will grow from the side of the mother plant near its base. They can
be removed with a sharp knife or clippers when they are one-third to one-half the size of the mother plant. The
pups should then be re-potted and watered similarly to the Bromeliads. It is important that the potting soil drain
rapidly and hold the plant firmly in the container. Be sure they have an adequate root system before transplanting.
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Air Circulation:
All Bromeliads prefer good air circulation. Indoors they do best if placed in a location where
the air moves freely, such as a window, doorway or where traffic is heaviest.
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Pests and Diseases:
Compared to other house plants, Bromeliads are relatively pest-free. Their most
common problem is scale, but mealy bugs, spider mites, snails and slugs sometimes do show up. Insect pests can be
controlled by thoroughly washing the plants or by spraying with Malathion at rates recommended on the label. For slugs
or snails, either destroy individually or use a pesticide containing methaldehyde. Crown rot is the most
common disease of Bromeliads. It is due to excessive watering or poor drainage of the soil medium. If discovered early,
use a fungicide and water sparingly until the plant has recovered. Good air circulation will also help prevent crown rot.
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