Cryptanthus zonatus
This Brazilian epiphytal bromeliad (from the Greek for "hidden flower") is a lovely plant for a low table. It prefers subdued light which will intensify the brown and cream barred leaves, suggesting the markings on a pheasant's feathers; and it grows only a few inches high, the crinkly edged leaves spreading horizontally. In March, I found a cluster of tiny, upright green points in the center of my plant. They opened quickly into small triangular white flowers on short, erect stems, and for six weeks, two flowers opened every few days. In the Summer, I made the mistake of setting the ...
Bromeliads Grow Many Different Materials
Bromeliads can be grown very well in many different materials. River gravel, perlite, coarse granite, treefern fiber, fir bark, coconut fiber, cork bark, German peat, sand, coarse leafmold or mixtures. In fact, mixtures are preferable. The following requirements are all necessary for success, so your mixture should have: Enough substance to hold the plant erect Good aeration Good drainage Some moisture holding capacity (never a great amount and never soggy) Ability to hold some fertility (does not leach rapidly) A sample mixture could be as follows: 2 parts treefern fiber 1 part coarse ...
Bromeliad Soil - What Is It?
The potting of Bromeliads which are epiphytic differs somewhat from that of ordinary plants as they have developed specialized root systems suited to their aerial habitats... this must be taken into consideration when selecting a potting media suitable for them. As Bromeliad roots in nature function primarily as “hold-fasts” to their host tree, they have been thought for years not to need any nutrition at their roots... however they do respond to feeding to a certain extent. Because their roots are exposed to the air in their natural state, they must have perfect aeration to do their best in ...
Bromeliads - Tips for Longer Lasting Color
Bromeliads are some of the longest lasting house plants to provide color... months of color. But it's possible to "squeeze" more flower time from them. Little Background on How Bromeliads are Produced Commercially Most bromeliads grow for months... but usually years from tissue culture or seeds, before going to market. Most of the plants found in the garden center are not full grown but about 3/4 size. If the plants could reach full size, "monsters" of 28-36 sizes across could be decorating our homes, which would take up more space than the current coffee table! To start the blooming process growers "treat" or ...
Bromeliad Care Instructions Beyond Neglect
It may appear to be a trite statement to say that Bromeliads are living organisms that react to the conditions of their environment as do other living plants and animals. They grow more slowly, so their reactions are considerably slower than most other plants. Strange as it may seem to most, there are those people, and a good number of them, who prefer to close their eyes when it comes to giving living plants the proper conditions that are necessary to maintain them in good health. Ask yourself this question, silly as it may sound. Would placing your child on ...
Neoregelia - Two Different Flavors
One of the things that make Bromeliads so popular for indoor color is the many different varieties available along with the many different looks. This image is of two different hybrids of Neoregelia . It's easy to see how open one plant is and the other much more compact. This is one reason you should find out the names of the plants you purchase. Just because it is a Bromeliad does not mean it will always have the same look or space requirements.
Bromeliad Vriesia Splenreit Ready for Shipping
Vriesia has been grown for many years as a house plant, new varieties come and go. This image is a cart full of Vriesia Splenreit straight from the greenhouse. The plants will be cleaned and packed into boxes to be shipped to garden centers around the country. For long lasting color for months in you home the Vriesia is a great choice.
Bromeliad Used in Christmas Tree Decorations
The holidays are not too far away!. Soon everyone will be venturing into the attic or bringing their decorations up from the basement. Here's a unique use of Bromeliads to add color and interest to a Christmas tree. Now this may not be for everyone but don't forget Bromeliads during the holidays. They provide long term color and make for long lasting gifts. Yes they are colorful but these houseplants and landscape plants can help you make this holiday season a "green" one! Plus they use no electricity!
Bromeliad - A New Cookie!
Growers continue to make improvements of old time plants. Those plants which have stood the test of time and people like becuase for their color, easy care, novelty or whatever hits them. The Neoregelia 'Tricolor' is one such plants. It has been grown for decades with new improved cultivars adding to the mix. Here's another which will be making its way on to the Bromeliad scene in 2008. Neoregelia 'Cookie' is a new introduction in production but will not be available until sometime in 2008. The picture does not do it justice. It will, without question add color to any ...
Bromeliad Care
Bromeliads Grow Many Different Materials
Bromeliads can be grown very well in many different materials. River gravel, perlite,...
Bromeliad Soil - What Is It?
The potting of Bromeliads which are epiphytic differs somewhat from that of ordinary...
Bromeliads - Tips for Longer Lasting Color
Bromeliads are some of the longest lasting house plants to provide color… months...
Read More Posts From This CategoryIndoor Bromeliads
Cryptanthus zonatus
This Brazilian epiphytal bromeliad (from the Greek for “hidden flower”)...
Bromeliad Vriesia Splenreit Ready for Shipping
Vriesia has been grown for many years as a house plant, new varieties come and go....
Bromeliad Used in Christmas Tree Decorations
The holidays are not too far away!. Soon everyone will be venturing into the attic...
Read More Posts From This CategoryLandscape Bromeliads
Bromeliad Colors for The Landscape
The Bromeliad world offers so many ways to "do" a landscape. More than...
Bromeliads in Full Sun? Tips for Landscape Planting
There are some Bromeliads which can handle full sun… but they only tolerate...
Bromeliads - More Than House Plants, Landscapers Use Them!
Walking through most garden centers which carry any variety of house plants you should...
Read More Posts on Landscape BromeliadsNeoregelia
Neoregelia - Two Different Flavors
One of the things that make Bromeliads so popular for indoor color is the many different...
Bromeliad - A New Cookie!
Growers continue to make improvements of old time plants. Those plants which have...
More on NeoregeliasAechmea
Bromeliads - Red Berries Indoors and The Landscape
Aechmea ‘Alegria’ is a hybrid from Bullis Bromeliads. Alegria is in the...
More on Aechmeas