Bromeliads are native of South America. Growing them are quite easy as long as they are provided with the basic growth requirements. They have several genera. Some are giants while some are tiny. Many of them though are in between.
Bromeliads are very versatile and sturdy plants. They can be grown even without soil. They require very little insecticides and minimal fertilization.
They are also prized for their colorful foliage. Some have also very long-lasting flowers that are not only colorful but also have usual shapes.
Common genera of Bromeliads
• Aechmea
• Billbergia
• Cryptanthus
• Neoregelia
• Nidularium
• Tillandsia
• Guzmania
• Vriesea
• Ananas or ornamental pineapple
How to Propagate Bromeliads
The most common way of propagating bromeliads is through separation of their suckers or pups as soon as they are 1/3 the size of the mother plant. Usually, bromeliads produce a lot of pups (sometimes more than 10 pups) as soon as they flower. Others produces suckers or pups before the produce flowers.
To produce more suckers from your mother plant, you have to remove the suckers or pups as soon as they are ready for separation. If you’ll not remove them, only few pups will come out.
Other method of propagating bromeliads is by seeds. But not all bromeliads produce seeds. Some Aechmeas readily produce seeds which could be grown in fine chopped fern chips or chopped coconut husk that are constantly kept moderately moist.
The problem with those grown by seeds, because it will take more than a year to grow the seeds into a medium- size plant. This will delay your venture for a faster way of producing more plant especially if you’re on commercial production.
Use the right potting medium
You should select a potting medium that easily drains and does not easily deteriorate. If you have a fern tree in your country, you can chopped them. They are ideal as potting medium.
You can also use a mixture of coconut coir fiber and coconut coir dust. You have to use more coconut coir fiber so that the medium will not breakdown fast. You should repot the plant once the medium becomes soggy.
If the above potting mediums are not available, use a chop dried coconut trunk. If you’ll use the fresh ones, dry them before using.
Where to place your bromeliads?
To get a more attractive foliage colors of your bromeliads, place them under proper light conditions. You can attain this by placing them under a three layers of fishnets. Guzmanias and vrieseas generas requires more shady conditions.
You can readily see if your bromeliads are under proper light conditions. If under too much shade, the colored ones will become green. If placed under too much sunlight, their leaves becomes scalded or bleached.
Another important requirement in growing bromeliads is proper air ventilation. Good air circulation will bring out the best color of the plants and will also prevent fungal infection that could eventually result in rotting.
To attain a proper ventilation, place your plants atop a bench. If that is not possible, seat them atop inverted clay pots so they will be at least one foot above the ground.
Plant nutrition
Fertilize your bromeliads so they will grow faster and healthier. Don’t over-fertilize them in order not to lose their bright colors.
A sign of over-fertilization, the leaves becomes too long and they will not look attractive.
Use a slow-release fertilizer. If not, use the ordinary urea or complete fertilizer and apply them to the potting medium. Or you can apply foliar spray.
Remember this, to get a better result, fertilize only at half the usual dose.
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Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. Get a copy of his latest ebook “Discover How to get started in Flower Gardening” and “Vegetable Gardening Made Easy”, also get lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: www.crisramasasa.com
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