Where can I grow bromeliads?
Bromeliads are found growing in a variety of growing
situations.
- Terrestrial species are found growing in the
ground. They can be found growing in sunny positions along
sandy beaches to the shady understorey of tropical forest
in amongst the debris of leaf litter.
- Saxicolous species are found growing on rocks
such as rocky outcrops or sheer cliff faces, with roots
penetrating into cracks and fissures to locate moisture
and organic nutrients.
- Epiphytic species are found growing on other
plants, usually trees, shrubs, and cactus. They have also
been found growing on telephone poles or even on the
telephone lines themselves. The ability of these
bromeliads to take nutrition and moisture from the
atmosphere hasearned them the name ‘air plants’.
- In the garden: most bromeliads are epiphytes, that is they
grow on trees or around the base of them in leaf litter,
moss or on rock outcrops. They must have good drainage. Bark
mulch is an excellent medium to grow bromeliads as it can
help to raise the humidity around the plants and deters
weeds.
- Indoors: bromeliads need a brightly lit location
such as near a window to get sufficient light for them to
grow. By grouping several plants together it will help
maintain humidity around the plants. Your bromeliads will
also appreciate a daily misting. They should also be washed
regularly to remove dust from their leaves, as this will
allow the plants to breathe and absorb moisture. Do not sit
your plant directly in water, as they do not enjoy the soil
being continually wet. WARNING: Do not use sprays containing
oil such as White Oil etc. as these will suffocate the
plant.
- Light conditions: bromeliads need the right amount
of light for each species to bring out the best in their
colour and shape. Bright filtered light suits most species.
Avoid direct summer sunlight, as this will burn and yellow
the leaves.
When and how should I water them?
It has been suggested that you can just water bromeliads in
the centre of the plant, this is not correct. The most
appropriate way to water bromeliads is to mimic nature and
water the plant all over, so that water touches all parts of
the leaves. Ensuring the potting mix is also thoroughly
soaked, which helps stop build up of salts and chemicals
found in water supplies. During the winter months water only
in the early mornings, on clear days. This allows the plants
to dry off before the onset of cold nights. In the summer
months, you can water the plants every couple of days,
including a misting regime every morning.
What sort of potting mix should I use?
Bromeliads are very tolerant and will grow in almost
anything or on anything from rocks to peat bogs. Make sure
the mix drains well and does not break down too
quickly and become sour. They grow well in a good quality
Orchid Mix.
Should I fertilise my bromeliads?
Bromeliads will grow well in the open garden without any
fertiliser, but experience has shown that you will get a
more colourful and stronger plant if you carry out some
careful feeding. You should fertilise only in the warmer
months with a very weak solution of a liquid fertilizer.
What are the best times to propagate bromeliads?
Bromeliads pups (offsets) should preferably be propagated
during the warmer months. Bromeliads tend not to thrive if
divided and potted in the colder months and although plants
will survive, you will find that often they do not root
until well into the next year.
What about pest control?
Bromeliads are relatively pest free, except for minor damage
from chewing insects. These insects can be removed by hand
or controlled by using non-toxic insecticides. Scale or
mealy bugs can be contained by spraying or dipping the
plants in a product called ‘Clensel’, a pyrethrum based
insecticide. |
