How do I identify my bromeliad?
The bromeliad family consists of many different genera. Leaf and inflorescence appearance can vary drastically among them. Most bromeliads can be identified by either unique leaf characteristics, inflorescence characteristics, or a combination of the two.
How do you care for bromeliads?
Following a few simple steps can keep you enjoying bromeliads, both indoors and out, for several seasons.
- Provide bright light without direct sun exposure.
- Maintain optimal humidity.
- Keep air flowing around the plants.
- Make sure the plants stay moist but not soggy.
- Provide adequate drainage.
- Fertilize sparingly.
Do bromeliads need sun or shade?
In their natural habitats, bromeliads grow in the full range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. Many bromeliads are quite tolerant, but the variegated plants will often become solid green if they are given too much shade.
Are bromeliads good indoor plants?
Bromeliads are excellent indoor plants. They have colorful, long-lasting inflorescence and some have brilliantly colored foliage as well. Although many bromeliads are epiphytic, living on branches and trunks of trees in their native habitat, most can be grown in containers.
What is another name for bromeliad?
Juss. The Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) is a family of monocot flowering plants of 75 genera and around 3590 known species native mainly to the tropical Americas, with a few species found in the American subtropics and one in tropical west Africa, Pitcairnia feliciana.
What color is bromeliad?
Bromeliads have colorful, long-lasting blooms (which last for weeks) that contrast beautifully against the strappy green leaves. You’ll typically see them flower in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow.
How long do bromeliads last?
Originally from the tropics of South America, Central America and Africa, these tropical indoor plants are easy to care for and are easy on the pocketbook. The most common variety of bromeliads, the flowering guzmania (Guzmania spp.), last for two to three years, reports Homestead Gardens.
Can I cut the dead flower off my bromeliad?
Well, it might sound harsh, but once your bromeliad bloom has begun to die, you can cut it off! Bromeliads are known for their exotic, long-lasting flowers. These tropical plants can bloom for months, in fact. By cutting off the bromeliad’s dying flower, you can help the plant refocus its energy on these new pups.
Can you eat bromeliads?
The pineapple, or Ananas comosus, is the most economically important bromeliad. It is the only bromeliad that produces a fruit that can be eaten and is therefore grown commercially in a variety of tropical locations.
Are bromeliads toxic to humans?
The ASPCA has declared bromeliads safe and non toxic to cats and dogs. The plants are non-toxic to humans. Some species may be best kept out of the reach of children due to potential allergic reactions. Pets actually love to snack on certain varieties, especially air plants.
Do bromeliads have a stem?
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) is a family consisting of 51 genera and more than 2,000 species, including both terrestrial and epiphytic plants, which grow on trees without soil. The majority of bromeliads grown indoors as houseplants grow from a long spike without a stem, with leaves that open in a rosette pattern.
Do bromeliads flower once?
Each bromeliad produces only one flower, and once the flower completely dies, you can either leave it in place to slowly deteriorate or snip it off the mother plant at its base, using a sterilized pruning tool.
What are bromeliad plants?
The Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) are a family of monocot flowering plants of 51 genera and around 3475 known species native mainly to the tropical Americas, with a few species found in the American subtropics and one in tropical west Africa , Pitcairnia feliciana. They are among the basal families within…