Have you heard of them? With more than 3,000 species of bromeliads, you can find at least some of these exotic tropicals anywhere from South America to Canada, from the finest nursery to your common grocery store.
One of them, the pineapple, is even edible.
These most adaptable of houseplants demand little care but offer great results. Because bromeliads live in such a wide variety of environments, growing requirements vary wildly according to species: temperatures from 35 to 100 degrees; light from deep shade to full sun; water from a little to a lot; and fertilizer from none at all to heavy. But each plant should come complete with instructions specific to that type of bromeliad.
Many of the bromeliads grown indoors are epiphytes, plants that attach themselves to trunks and tree branches by means of a tenacious root system. While the plant is not parasitic, it does use its host for support. But it receives its nourishment from the air and water. The “air plant” that was so popular for a while is an example of an epiphyte bromeliad.
Another type of bromeliad, which attaches itself to rocks, is called saxicolous. Bromeliads in this category develop roots that are as strong as heavy wire in order to anchor themselves to the hard surfaces they prefer.
But the type of bromeliad most often found for sale in stores is one that grows in soil. This type is referred to as a terrestrial.
Most bromeliads bloom only once in their lifetime. The inflorescence is either within the cup formed by the rosette of strappy leaves or rises from the cup. With blooms that can last for months, the actual flowers are framed by brightly colored bracts that may overlap or remain separate.
Although they flower but once, these unusual plants produce “pups,” or baby plants, that develop during the period of flowering and usually appear at the base of the plant.
After these pups develop a rosette of leaves, they may be separated from the mother plant using a sharp knife or pruners. Once separated, whether or not a root system has developed, each pup may be planted in its own pot. Usually, these babies will mature and flower within one to three years.
When you look at the top of a pineapple, you are looking at a pup. Slice off the top and plant it and it will eventually grow into a new plant.
So, if you’re looking for something to put you to sleep, take a bromide. If you’re looking for something to pick you up, try a bromeliad. Its exotic flair may have you playing the maracas and sipping margaritas. We gardeners will try anything to chase away the winter blues.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
