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 becuase it is a Bromeliad does not mean it will always have the same look or space requirements.
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.
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!
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 home.
How about you? Whats your favorite Bromeliad?
After a Bromeliad flowers the plant will never flower again. However, the bromeliad puts out what many refer to as pups or offshoots. Some stay close to the plant and others like Neoregelia McWilliamsii send out more of a runner.
Aechmea 'Alegria' is a hybrid from Bullis Bromeliads. Alegria is in the Aechmea family and is one of the larger plants in this genus making it a great option for the landscape like around a pool possibly. It can reach heights and widths of 4 feet!.
When 'Alergia' blooms, a tall flower stalk full of bright red and pink berries stands tall above the foliage offering a real contrast between light green leaves.
Alegria can be used indoors as a house plant but will need a lot of bright light. The landscape probably will allow Aechmea 'Alegria' to show off it's true potential in full sun! Finding a decorative container to compliment the plants is also a landscape option in a pool/ deck area.
The Bromeliad world offers so many ways to "do" a landscape. More than just an accent bed or groundcover, but colors, sizes and textures to draw interest!
There are some Bromeliads which can handle full sun… but they only tolerate this condition, it's not always ideal. All Bromeliads prefer some mid day shade. However, if you're planting in full sun here's some tips to maintain the quality.
When possible plant during the cooler months (October to April) is best. This will give the Bromeliad time to acclimate to the hot summer sun. Planting during the summer months can cause bleached or burned foliage.
Walking through most garden centers which carry any variety of house plants you should see an assortment of Bromeliads. The more popular varieties of Aechmea, Guzmania and Vriesea (VREE-zee-uh). Most of these varieties can find a nice place to set up stop in a home an brighten up any room.
We "limit" the size of these house plants assuming they can only be used indoors. With Bromeliads… that simply is not the case. There are varieties you'll most likely never find in any garden center. One nice feature of the south Florida climate gives landscapers the opportunity to use a whole "class" of Bromeliads outdoors in the landscape.
These "landscape" Bromeliads can become hugh… think the size of the hood of your car! Just like their smaller cousins that brighten a room indoors they do the same for the landscape.
Here's a species named - Alcanterea Imperialis… large in size, big on color and a "flower" which can only be described as "wild." Enjoy…
Image courtesy Bullis Bromeliads Miami, Florida.
To maintain the right balance Bromeliads and other house plants need the right amount of "food" just like people.
Notice from the picture the plant on the left shows "tall gangly growth."
This is caused from excessive fertilizer which produces the long curved leaves on the Aechmea fasciata.
The Aechmea plant on the right received the correct amount of fertilizer shown by its more attractive, healthy appearance and proper form.