Bromeliads

Bromeliads are members of the plant family Bromeliaceae with over 2500 species in around 50 genera. They are often epiphytic and cling to trees or other structures. They are not parasitic but simply use the structures as perches from which to gather sun and moisture. Bromeliads belong to the same family as pineapples and originated from the southern states of North America to far down south as Argentina. They grow in a range of climates from the mountains to the sea, and the deserts to the tropics.

The plants are prized for their thick foliage that forms a natural rosette, in various colors that gives an exotic ambience to any garden if properly placed. Bromeliads produce a flower towards the end of its life and these differ in colour and form in different varieties. They grow all year round tolerating wide ranges of temperature and humidity or rather adapt to them with changes in the texture and colour of foliage

Bromeliads come in a wide range of sizes from miniature sized to large ones. They can be grown indoors and outdoors. The wide leaves are sword shaped or shaped liked scoops and grow around a central cup. The flower stalk is produced from the center of the rosette. With exceptions, bromeliads only flower a single time. Once the plant stops producing leaves and produces its flower, it will not start making leaves again. It will produce new plantlets called offsets or pups.

Pups are usually produced near the base of the plant – inside the sheath of a leaf. Sometimes, pups are produced on long stolons or at the top of the flower spike of the mother plant. These plants will feed of the mother plant until they are large enough to set roots of their own and survive as a separate plant. The mother may sometimes survive a generation or two before dying. The green, leafy top of a pineapple is in fact a pup that may be removed and planted to start a new plant.

Growing Bromeliads
In spite of all the exotic looks and inflorescence they are rather easy to grow and multiply. But they do not live forever and can die within 2-3 years. But they will produce pups which can be removed and grown as new plants. Nurture them until they are large enough to break away from the parent plant, and then cut them away from the parent and plant in a mix of bark, sphagnum moss and organic soil mixes.
The roots of a bromeliad are for balance, and the leaves of the plant provide all the nutrients, food and water. Bromeliads can be grown in pots, in the garden, in on balconies or mounted on a tree or piece of wood. Many bromeliads don't need full sunlight and grow better in shady spots. Soft-leaf bromeliads like more shade than the hard-leaf varieties.

Feeding
Apply either a liquid/water-soluble fertilizer at one-quarter strength or a slow-
release fertilizer in the form of powder or pellets around the base of the plant, avoiding the tank in the middle to prevent foliage burn. To make your plant bloom quickly, a combination of nitrogen (N) 3.0, phosphorus (P) 8.0, and potassium (K) 25.0, added with few other trace elements might help.

Watering
Bromeliads should be watered once a week or when the top of the soil gets dry and this will make them grow well. Potted plants must be carefully and make sure the roots are not submerged to avoid root rot.

Pruning
Cut off any damaged bits on the leaves of the bromeliad, following the natural shape of the leaf. Cutting like this has no consequences for the plant, and the surgery will be unnoticeable

Humidity
Bromeliads thrive in high humidity whether indoor or outdoor. If the natural conditions do not permit, mist the leaves with a spray bottle as often as possible.

Care after Flowering
After blooming the mother plant will die soon. As foliage turns brown at the tips, cut these dead parts off as far as below without damaging the remaining portion of the plant. This way the offshoots are given room to grow in the same manner on the mother plant.

Growth-Related Problems
Inadequate watering causes poor growth and bloom. On the other hand, too much of it can turn the leave brown and cause root rot. Too little sunlight can prevent it from thriving and excessive exposure may bleach and burn the leaves. Additionally, if you apply your fertilizer in excess or use a one with the wrong concentration, it may burn the foliage or make it appear leggy. So, follow proper light and fertilizer schedule.

Pests and Insects
The leaves and flowers of the plant are often eaten off by bromeliad weevils. Spray an insecticidal solution over the infested part every 2 to 3 months to get rid of them or handpick them. Mealy bugs can feed on those leaves and flower stalks, forming small white powdery ovals. Remove them by scraping off with a swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or spray a mixture of alcohol and dishwashing soap every 3 days for 2 weeks. Also, use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to control their population.