sam@ahuta.UUCP (sam) (03/13/85)
BROMELIADS - CHARACTERISTICS AND CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS
The Bromeliad Family
There are over 2000 species of bromeliads divided into 44
groups (genera). All are native to the Western Hemisphere.
Bromeliads are varied in habit. Most grow as epiphytes,
their roots serving as a means of secure attachment to the
tree or shrub on which they grow. Others, known as
terrestrials, grown in the ground on or among rocks. Common
to all species is an abundance of leaf scales which serve as
a moisture and nutrient absorbing system, much the way roots
do in other plants. General Appearance
most bromeliads, including those commonly grown indoors,
such as Aechmeas and Neoregelias, are composed of a rosette
of leathery leaves forming a vase-like structure in the
center of the plant. From this structure flowers emerge.
The foliage is often marked with colorful stripes or
speckles. Frequently, bands of leaf scales which contrast
with the foliage from an intricate pattern.
Members of the genus Tillandsia are quite different in
appearance than those described above. They are usually so
densely covered with leaf scales that their foliage appears
gray or silver in color. The leaves of plants belonging to
this genus do not always form a rosette. Instead, they may
be composed of a tuft of grass-like foliage, have a twisted
contour, or a bulbous base. (Spanish moss is a species of
tillandsia, dissimilar in general appearance to other
members of this genus, but similar to them in flawer
structure and in the presence of leaf scales.)
There are also bromeliads with thick succulent leaves
arranged in a symmetrical rosette, such as Dyckias and
several species of Hechtia.
The type of flower cluster (inflorescence) which a bromeliad
produces varies greatly from one genus to another and among
species. Flowers may be born along a spike or branched
stalk. In several species the flowers stay nestled in the
plant's center "cup". The blossoms may be born in a round
or pyramidal cluster. Flowers are followed by berries or
capsules which may be more ornamental and longer lasting
than the flowers themselves. Similarly, the flower bracts,
leaf-like structures found below the inflorescence, may be
showier and more colorful than the true flowers.
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CULTURE
The Appearance of a Particular Species of Bromeliad Offers Clues
to its Cultural Requirements
Species Composed of a Rosette of Leathery Leaves
Bromeliad species with leathery leaves forming a rosette,
such as Aechmeas, Neoregelias, and Nidulariums usually
require very bright indirect light. They can be placed in
front of a window facing east, west, or south as long as the
intense rays of the summer sun are filtered through sheer
curtains or partially closed Venetian blinds. Plants
receiving less than adequate light will lose their clear
foliage markings, lack vigor and may not flower. Those
receiving too much light will appear faded and the foliage
may become flaccid. A growing medium consisting of 2 parts
peat moss or orchid bark to which 1 part perlite has been
added is suitable. Water these bromeliads when the top
layer of soil in the container feels very dry to the touch.
Then water thoroughly, until water runs through the drainage
holes in the bottom of the container. Water should be kept
in the center cup at all times. These bromeliads benefit
from high humidity which can be increased by placing the
potted plant on a watertight tray filled with pea gravel.
Pour water over the gravel until it rises to the bottom of
the top layer of pebbles. The water will evaporate and
humidify the air around the plant.
Species Densely Covered with Leaf Scales
Bromeliad species which have a dense covering of leaf
scales, such as tillandsias, require direct light in order
to attain their natural habit of growth and to flower. They
will survive in lower light levels but will not thrive. If
these bromeliads are grown in containers, they should be
watered thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry.
They should also be sprayed every day with water since they
absorb moisture through their their leaf scales.
Frequently, Tillandsias are mounted, as described below.
The roots as well as the foliage of mounted bromeliads
should be sprayed with water each day.
Species with Succulent Leaves
Bromeliads with thick succulent leaves, such as Dyckias and
Hechtias, require direct light and should be watered more
sparingly than those described on the preceeding page.
Water when the top half of the soil in the container feels
very dry to the touch. A soil mix recommended for cacti and
other succulents is suitable for these bromeliads.
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Mounting Bromeliads
Bromeliads can be mounted by tying their roots onto dry tree
branches, driftwood, osmunda fiber, porous rocks, or other
similar material with clear fishing line, plastic coated
wire, or string.
General Cultural Requirements for all Species
All bromeliads require regular fertilization. A water
soluble chemical fertilizer recommended for use on plants
growing indoors is suitable. It should be applied at 1/4
the strength suggested on the label every 2 weeks from
spring through autumn. Spray the fertilizer on the foliage
with an atomizer, pour it through the growing medium, if
plants are potted instead of mounted, and add it to the
water already present in the center cup. Bromeliads grow
best in a draft free room with adequate ventilation.
Temperatures should remain above 45 F.
Flowering
Bromeliads flower only once. Then they produce offsets,
frequently called "pups", around the base of the "mother
plant". After flowering and production of offsets, the
mother plant slowly declines and eventually dies. Plants
which have reached their ultimate size and have not flowered
will often set buds when placed outdoors in spring, after
danger of frost has passed. However, be sure to bring the
plants back inside before the first frost.
Propagation
Bromeliads are easily propagated by separating the pups when
they are about 1/3 the size of the mother plant. This is
most easily accomplished by taking the plant out of its
container or removing it from its mount. Separate the pups
with the fingers or a sharp knife. The offsets can be
planted in small clay containers or mounted. A bromeliad
may produce over a dozen pups in a period of 12 to 18
months. Thus, repot the mother plant after the first pups
have been removed.
Pineapple Plant
The common edible pineapple is a species of bromeliad which
is propagated in a different manner than described above.
The entire tuft of foliage at the tip of the fruit should be
separated with a sharp knife . Remove all fruit from
beneath the foliage. Remove enough of the bottom leaves
from the newly separated tuft to expose about 1 inch of bare
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stalk. Plant in the mix recommended above for other
bromeliads which produce a rosette of leathery leaves, water
thoroughly, and provide the same care as instructed for
Aechmeas, Neoregelias, and Nidulariums.
Plant culture sheet 03a Written: 8/78
Updated: 8/79
The above reproduced without permission (but apparently
without any violation of copyright) from literature obtained
free of charge at the US Botanical Garden, Washington DC.
Doug Lewan
(...!ihnp4!)ahuta!sam
"And the bug eyed monster?"
"It's green, yes."