Growing Bromeliads: Exotic Indoor or Outdoor Plants
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Exotic Indoor or Outdoor Plants You will find that growing bromeliads will require just a little attention. You can easily create a bromeliad garden for flowers or for color right in your own balcony. They also make good terranium plants. Depending on the variety, the color will last up to six months. (Bromeliads have a lifespan of up to four years.)The variety Neoregelia is excellent for long lasting color.
Temperature Although bromeliads like tropical moisture, they acclimatize to their environment. If you are growing bromeliads as indoor plants, the temperatures should not go below 60°F. For flowers, however, they will require above 75°F. Growing bromeliads outdoor is also quite easy. Some species can endure temperatures that are quite low. Plan ahead if you want to cultivate them in the ground and you live where the winters are extreme. Grow the bromeliads in containers, and place them level to the ground. You can then extract them easily when temperatures freeze. A protected area, like your garage, is a good temporary location. They can be moved back outdoors when temperatures are above freezing. Sunlight Whether you are growing bromeliads indoor or outdoor, do not expose them to direct bright sunlight,. Observe them if you are not certain how much sun is needed. If the foliage is scorched or bleached, the bromeliad needs less sunlight. If the color of the foliage is not what it should be, it needs more light. If you want to try growing bromeliads and you live in a basement apartment where sunlight is limited, experiment with grow lights. Irrigation The frequency of irrigating bromeliads depends on the humidity of their environment. In homes where people run air conditioners and heaters, water more frequently. When irrigating, water into the center of the rosette instead of the soil. If you are using containers made of plastic instead of clay, the bromeliads will require less watering. Remember to occasionally irrigate the plant base. Make certain you have good drainage and that the soil is dry between irrigation. To help protect the bromeliads' tiny water absorbing scales called trichomes, use a soft rag to regularly remove the dust accumulating on the foliage. Propagation Some bromeliad varieties take several years to flower. After flowering, the central plant produces pups that can be divided to form new plants. Pups should not be cut off until they have grown to about a third to half the size of their mother plant. Cut off the pups with a sharp knife as closely as possible to the mother plant. To prevent the transfer of any bacteria, dip the knife in alcohol prior to use. It is a good idea to use gardening gloves when dividing the pups. Ask your local nursery for suggestions on what mixture of rooting hormone and fungicide to use for your pups. Most varieties can be grown in containers. All bromelids will require firm support. Fertilization Depending on the bromeliad variety, fertilization can be from nil to weekly. Fertilization can cause fading of colors. If you want increased pup production, feed your bromeliads regularly. For fertilization, when growing bromeliads, use the 20-20-20 fertilizer at half the manufacturer’s suggested potency.
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