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| comment | | "parent_author":"ctrl-alt-nwo",<br>"parent_permlink":"beautiful-bromeliads",<br>"author":"aliraxa",<br>"permlink":"re-ctrl-alt-nwo-beautiful-bromeliads-20180508t103925981z",<br>"title":"",<br>"body":"These fascinating tropical American natives come in a wonderful variety of sizes,<br> shapes and foliage colours.\n\n![928896af5b9fe61870c18487f9229a94--florida-flowers-florida-flower-gardens.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmS3VqABFefJ6VDuirXJaKt8igphE4J3nxCYHhnpbtfRPG\/928896af5b9fe61870c18487f9229a94--florida-flowers-florida-flower-gardens.jpg)\n\nThey seem very strange and exotic,<br> but one of our most common fruits,<br> the pineapple,<br> is actually a bromeliad.\n\n![img_pineapple2.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmNiEu9e6AsKy6dprCVNdpqJAGM6SqBeW1YVo8NRmjLZv1\/img_pineapple2.jpg)\n\nMany bromeliads are epiphytes (ie they live on other plants but do not parasitise those plants),<br> living up in the forks of tree branches and surviving mainly on the moisture and nutrients they obtain from the air. However there are bromeliads for every situation\n\n![Flickr_-_ggallice_-_Bromeliads.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmYfYWwuryACAF5tPt9ti2fwkEnAHhdmwvL8EmvdBfBXNk\/Flickr_-_ggallice_-_Bromeliads.jpg)\n\n![6998905149_a193336013_b.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmXHEYd6EkYNsANDytUNce7s6xZdNZ1DxDtHRgJTXK4YG7\/6998905149_a193336013_b.jpg)\n\n![neoregelia-bromeliads.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmXmwcCaHx31rWsmz4xbv8A4PLqtz5dsLq5uumaA6xUinh\/neoregelia-bromeliads.jpg)\n\nAechmea: The plants in this genus are mostly epiphytic. One of the best known is Aechmea fasciata or \u2018Silver King\u2019,<br> which has long lasting,<br> pretty pink flowers and is often used as an indoor plant.\n\n![Bromeliads.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmRS1NbfgiugANRSB6cWTStkB9LLwQ8v5F72P5j3m16qZe\/Bromeliads.jpg)\n\nAnanas: The commercially grown pineapple,<br> Ananas comosus is a member of this genus.\n\n![BLOG-Bromeliad-pineapple-1200x900.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmf8PKuvtq7mv3j7NQ1hxQe5UqTqJT7kfiAoT41vteGxVN\/BLOG-Bromeliad-pineapple-1200x900.jpg)\n\nBillbergia: There are around 60 species of Billbergia,<br> which are colourful and well suited to growing in the garden around the base of trees. They clump up quickly to form good flower displays,<br> although the inflorescence (flower head) on some species is short lived.\n\n![maxresdefault.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmbM4YujdjSWWDSYJFVamDDMjE2KnUgzUg4bhZXZPRbRAM\/maxresdefault.jpg)\n\nCryptanthus: This is a terrestrial group from Brazil,<br> which needs plenty of room for root development. They are best suited to warm climates.\n\n![cryptanthus-bromelioides-tricolor-DSC02835JB_0.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmTdzqTzirMT33QYmppm83oCUwh22EiShuA1RUow8pUq31\/cryptanthus-bromelioides-tricolor-DSC02835JB_0.jpg)\n\nVriesea: Plants in this genus have interesting and varied foliage,<br> and sword like eye-catching flowers. They are easy to grow and are good bromeliads for beginners to try.\n\n![89207-01-BAKI_20150218132933.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmemYUixcJyTucXUdxsZrHPAHQ58EWQooqLFqUQ4sCLyXk\/89207-01-BAKI_20150218132933.jpg)\n\nTillandsia: True air plants,<br> tillandsias range in size from the tiny T. bryoides (1cm or 0.4\u2033) to the giant T. grandis which can grow up to 3 metres (9\u2032) tall. Also in this group is T. usneoides,<br> commonly known as old man\u2019s whiskers or Spanish moss,<br> which looks like spider webs hanging from the trees. Apart from its ornamental uses,<br> this material can be used for padding in upholstery.\n\n![tillandsia_tectorum_large_3.png (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmRgBEiLjQwgiVCJZkCWi4KVWkxqgnMbWZ4VX2j3gLeudY\/tillandsia_tectorum_large_3.png)\n\nGuzmania: Members of this family have beautiful green foliage and colourful,<br> big open flowers. The coloured flower spikes last many months.\n\n![72738-01-BAKI_20170117055959.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmZXNexvTssPKcvqaNW9Y7scy5qh7xrrSoZ4gFodAwjrh8\/72738-01-BAKI_20170117055959.jpg)\n\nNeoregelias: Neoregelias and their many hybrids are very colourful and easy to grow. The inner leaves of many species turn a brilliant reddish colour just before flowering. The most commonly grown species is Neoregelia carolinae,<br> also known as the \u2018Blushing Bromeliad\u2019.\n\n![neoregelia-neoregelia-carolinae-close-up-82828620-588ba1ee3df78caebc653609.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmaDKy8LZyBSjZn73hc7niedXpPVYv2FZo1bhm8TUvHurt\/neoregelia-neoregelia-carolinae-close-up-82828620-588ba1ee3df78caebc653609.jpg)\n\nCaring For Bromeliads: What You Need To Know To Grow Them Indoors\nBromeliads are wonderful houseplants. They're colorful & flowering. Here's what you need to know about bromeliad care to grow them indoors.\n\n![P1290033_new.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmP1Zf6BhJD22mnQGvdTj4LwPmmK1A4nUQQqxp5a3ooevB\/P1290033_new.jpg)\n\nLight:\nLike many other tropical plants brought indoors,<br> bromeliads like nice,<br> bright light but no prolonged periods of direct,<br> hot sun. In nature,<br> they grow under the canopies of other plants where it\u2019s bright but direct sun is limited. They\u2019ll survive for a while in lower light conditions but need a fair amount of it to bring out the color and initiate flowering and pupping (their process of making babies).\n\nIt\u2019s a bit vague without getting into foot candle measurements but you want your Bromeliad to be somewhere near but not in a window or windows with a west or south exposure. During the darker months,<br> you may have to move it to a spot that gets more light.\n\nWatering:\n bromeliads like a good watering every month. Water the growing mix thoroughly & then let it all drain out of the pot. The majority of bromeliads are epiphytes (meaning they grow on other plants,<br> rocks,<br> logs,<br> etc & not in the soil) so never keep them soggy or let them sit directly in water. Keep the cup,<br> which is center part aka the tank or reservoir,<br> 1\/4 to 1\/2 full of water. Be sure to flush out the cup every month or 2 as bacteria can collect in the dirty water.\n\nSoil \/ Repotting\nBromeliads love rich,<br> organic matter in their soil but they must have excellent drainage. If you have Cymbidium orchid mix,<br> then you can use this for potting up your Bromeliads too. I use a mixture of succulent & cactus mix,<br> orchid bark,<br> worm castings,<br> & compost. Another good additive is coco coir,<br> which is a more environmentally friendly alternative to peat moss.\n\nBromeliads have a small root system so you don\u2019t have to worry about repotting them too often. Every 4-5 years is probably just fine & you only need to go up 1 or 2 pot sizes. And,<br> it\u2019s best to not repot them in the cooler months when the roots are resting.\n\n![samuraiinbloom.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmPzNsXndHsxCAyHtiHTWVARGS1m5UnK67iyWkfCqLV6Ns\/samuraiinbloom.jpg)\n\n![Bromeliad_Mount_Care_-_Pistils_Nursery-2.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmTZtmEbJZuFwj2RBUxCQWX2W1GLzZp3Ha47kWG3VW5aT6\/Bromeliad_Mount_Care_-_Pistils_Nursery-2.jpg)\n\nFertilizing\nBromeliads aren\u2019t fussy & don\u2019t need much if any fertilizing. If you feel the need to feed them,<br> then use a balanced liquid fertilizer or an all purpose orchid food diluted at 1\/2 strength in the spring or summer. There are fertilizers which are specially formulated for bromeliads but whichever you decide to use,<br> don\u2019t over fertilize them!\n\nTemperature \/ Humidity\nTemperature isn\u2019t too important as bromeliads tolerate a wide range of temps. Mine grow outdoors & our winter months can get into the 40\u2019s & into the 80\u2019s\/90\u2019s in the summer\/fall. Humidity is more important as these plants are native to the subtropics & the tropics. If your home is really dry,<br> then mist them a couple of times a week or grow them over a tray filled with water & pebbles to up the ante on the humidity.\n\nPropagation\nThe easiest way to propagate Bromeliads is by removing the pups (the little babies that appear off the base of the mother plant) & replanting them. If you\u2019re new to this,<br> you might want to wait until the pups are a fairly good size so roots have formed. I\u2019ve also removed pups when they\u2019re smaller & planted them with success. Growers also propagate them by seed but it\u2019s a much,<br> much more tedious process.\n\n![maxresdefault (1).jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmWmv9m5Hb6J7CfARSjewdSrN6VvPgY1M1saULuU6gWgGE\/maxresdefault%20(1).jpg)\n\n![41299-010_1.JPG (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmXoKuC8AVftETu7T6arkt5hS2UJwLLTwYk27qUsGniXCP\/41299-010_1.JPG)\n\nPruning\nThese plants require very little pruning which makes me very happy. A bottom leaf will occasionally die \u2013 simply remove it. If your bromeliad has a flower stalk,<br> like an Aechmea or Guzmania,<br> then prune it off after it has died. At some point the mother plant will die (but don\u2019t be sad,<br> new babies will appear) & you\u2019ll need to cut that off after it completely goes.\n\nPests:\n They\u2019re most susceptible to mealy bugs & scale. You can wipe the mealy bug off with alcohol & a cotton swab. Scale can be removed with your fingernail or a dull knife. Don\u2019t use an oil spray (like horticultural or neem oils) on your Bromeliads as they can smother the plant.\n\n![5a023e5852ba7817dc0fb51aa6321a7f.jpg (https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmSoc3TZULAj7ANnF7dAtm34Bqhdgzd7hn9SsxXQjGFUjV\/5a023e5852ba7817dc0fb51aa6321a7f.jpg)",<br>"json_metadata":" \"tags\":[\"bromeliads\" ,<br>\"image\":[\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmS3VqABFefJ6VDuirXJaKt8igphE4J3nxCYHhnpbtfRPG\/928896af5b9fe61870c18487f9229a94--florida-flowers-florida-flower-gardens.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmNiEu9e6AsKy6dprCVNdpqJAGM6SqBeW1YVo8NRmjLZv1\/img_pineapple2.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmYfYWwuryACAF5tPt9ti2fwkEnAHhdmwvL8EmvdBfBXNk\/Flickr_-_ggallice_-_Bromeliads.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmXHEYd6EkYNsANDytUNce7s6xZdNZ1DxDtHRgJTXK4YG7\/6998905149_a193336013_b.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmXmwcCaHx31rWsmz4xbv8A4PLqtz5dsLq5uumaA6xUinh\/neoregelia-bromeliads.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmRS1NbfgiugANRSB6cWTStkB9LLwQ8v5F72P5j3m16qZe\/Bromeliads.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmf8PKuvtq7mv3j7NQ1hxQe5UqTqJT7kfiAoT41vteGxVN\/BLOG-Bromeliad-pineapple-1200x900.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmbM4YujdjSWWDSYJFVamDDMjE2KnUgzUg4bhZXZPRbRAM\/maxresdefault.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmTdzqTzirMT33QYmppm83oCUwh22EiShuA1RUow8pUq31\/cryptanthus-bromelioides-tricolor-DSC02835JB_0.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmemYUixcJyTucXUdxsZrHPAHQ58EWQooqLFqUQ4sCLyXk\/89207-01-BAKI_20150218132933.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmRgBEiLjQwgiVCJZkCWi4KVWkxqgnMbWZ4VX2j3gLeudY\/tillandsia_tectorum_large_3.png\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmZXNexvTssPKcvqaNW9Y7scy5qh7xrrSoZ4gFodAwjrh8\/72738-01-BAKI_20170117055959.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmaDKy8LZyBSjZn73hc7niedXpPVYv2FZo1bhm8TUvHurt\/neoregelia-neoregelia-carolinae-close-up-82828620-588ba1ee3df78caebc653609.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmP1Zf6BhJD22mnQGvdTj4LwPmmK1A4nUQQqxp5a3ooevB\/P1290033_new.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmPzNsXndHsxCAyHtiHTWVARGS1m5UnK67iyWkfCqLV6Ns\/samuraiinbloom.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmTZtmEbJZuFwj2RBUxCQWX2W1GLzZp3Ha47kWG3VW5aT6\/Bromeliad_Mount_Care_-_Pistils_Nursery-2.jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmWmv9m5Hb6J7CfARSjewdSrN6VvPgY1M1saULuU6gWgGE\/maxresdefault%20(1).jpg\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmXoKuC8AVftETu7T6arkt5hS2UJwLLTwYk27qUsGniXCP\/41299-010_1.JPG\",<br>\"https:\/\/steemitimages.com\/DQmSoc3TZULAj7ANnF7dAtm34Bqhdgzd7hn9SsxXQjGFUjV\/5a023e5852ba7817dc0fb51aa6321a7f.jpg\" ,<br>\"app\":\"steemit\/0.1\" " |
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