Bromeliads are members of a plant family containing over 3000 species. The most well known bromeliad is the pineapple. People have been using bromeliads for thousands of years for food, shelter and ceremonies by civilizations such as Incas, Maya and Aztecs. Europeans were introduced to the pineapple when Spanish conquistadors returned with the pineapple. The image of the pineapple became so popular that it was adapted into European art, sculpture, furniture and architecture.
The most popular office and house plant varieties are Aechmea fasciata (Silver-Vase, Urn Plant) and Guzmania Rana.
In general they are ideal indoor plants requiring very little care. The mother plant will generally only produce one bloom in its lifetime. Once it blooms it will produce new plantlets called “pups”. These pups will feed on the “mother” plant until they are large enough to set roots of their own and survive as a separate plant. The mother has done her job and will die off. The green, leafy top of a pineapple is in fact a pup that may be removed and planted to start a new plant.
It can take a few years for the plant to reach mature blooming size. Once the plant reaches maturity you can force the plant to flower by placing the plant in a clear plastic bag and throw a ripe apple inside the bag for 7 to 10 days. The ripe apple will give off ethylene gas and will help force the plant to flower.
1) Sunlight: bright indirect sun. Ideally placed around windows with blinds.
2) Water: Keep the soil evenly moist. Watering once to twice a week is sufficient. DO NOT USE A METAL WATERING CAN. THE METAL IS TOXIC TO BROMELIADS AND WILL KILL THEM.
3) Temperature: Indoor temperatures are perfect for Bromeliads.
Replanting the Pups: Once a pup reaches one-third the size of the mother plant gently tug and separate the two plants. If the pup doesn’t pull away easily cut it where it attaches to the mother plant. Before potting your new plant, let the cut area dry out by letting it sit for a day (not in the sun). Using a mixture of peat moss and prelate pot up the bromeliad cutting into a small pot (do not over pot) and follow the instructions above. If all the potting and work sounds too much to handle ask Star bright about our Plant Care Services or do nothing and enjoy the plant as is.
These tips are brought to you by The Official Florist. The Official Florist is the blogging arm of Starbright Floral Design. We are a full-service corporate and retail florist located in the heart of New York City’s Historic Flower District. We are at 150 West 28th Street (Studio 201). To learn more about our organization and about the type of work that we do, please visit our website at www.starflor.com. You may also order a gift by visiting our e-portal at www.starbrightnyc.com. Starbright is open seven days a week and we deliver flowers and other gifts in Manhattan and worldwide. We invite you to give us a call or visit our website.
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