Out
On A Limb / February 2007
Extra Terrestrial
Gardeners who embrace diversity can surrender to their passion with bromeliads. The Bromeliaceae plant family contains over 3000 species in at least 56 genera. Pineapples are bromeliads and so is Spanish Moss, (which is neither Spanish nor a moss).
Bromeliads grow in dry deserts and in rain forests from Argentina to Virginia.
Surprising in many ways, most bromeliads are grown primarily for their colorful foliage and exotic shapes. Even species of a single genus often differ drastically in appearance. Some resemble aloes, yuccas or leafy grasses. Some are rigid and unnaturally colored, like an artificial plant. Colorfully banded and variegated, their unusual blooms or configurations can look like alien plants. Most develop beautiful flowering stalks with flowers that last for months. The upper leaves of many species change color when plants are about to flower.
Although they vary widely in shape, size and color, all bromeliads are composed of a spiral arrangement of leaves called a rosette. The number of degrees between successive leaves varies from species to species with a few having a 180 degree separation between leaves
Columbus discovered Bromeliads in the New World and introduced the pineapple (Ananas comosus) to Spain in 1493. It wasn’t until 1776 that the next bromeliad (Guzmania lingulata) was brought to Europe. Aechmea fasciata followed in 1828 and Vriesea splendens in 1840. Today, the most common bromeliads remain Aechmea fasciata and Guzmania or Vriesea cultivars.
Originally found only in royal botanical gardens or private greenhouses of wealthy Europeans, bromeliads are widely accepted today as ornamental plants. New species are still being discovered and more stunning hybrids still being developed.
Bromeliads can be epiphytic, deriving nutrients and moisture from the air, or terrestrial, taking nutrients and water from the soil. Epiphytic plants can survive by clinging to a tree or other support like rocks. Unlike parasites; they cause no harm to a host plant.
Bromeliads need warm temperatures and proper light to grow well and produce flowers. Optimum light levels vary considerably, but few bromeliads like direct sun rays.
They do best in homes with daytime temperatures of 70-75°F and between 60 and 65°F at night.
They are extremely tolerant of low-moisture conditions and bromeliad problems are usually associated with overwatering. Light, porous potting mixes that drain rapidly will help and watering thoroughly once a week is usually sufficient.
Although the central plant slowly dies after flowering, bromeliads produce “pups” that can be separated and potted to form new plants. The mother plant continues to produce pups until it dies. New plants normally flower in 1 to 3 years.
Aechmea bromeliads, or “urn” plants, are dependable bloomers with tremendous diversity of color, form and texture. Most are epiphytic. Aechmea fasciata is a funnel-shaped plant with curved leaves and light blue flowers on a dense pink spike. Aechmea fendleri has a cluster of blue berries and purplish bracts. ‘Foster’s Favorite ’has lacquered, wine-red leaves and coral- red, pear-shaped berries.
The “earth stars” of the Cryptanthus species grow almost flat against the ground and resemble brightly colored starfish. Solid, striped or banded leaves can be green, bronze, silver, white or pink though their flowers are inconspicuous. Earth stars are compact, terrestrial bromeliads, perfect for dish gardens.
Cryptanthus fosteriana is an earth star with zebra grey stripes on chocolate-brown leaves. Cryptanthus ‘Black Prince’ has deep maroon foliage with stiff, fleshy leaves.
The “air pines” of the Guzmania species bloom spectacularly in containers or on trees. Flower spikes grow from the center of long-lasting, brilliantly colorful bracts. They need moderate light, stable warm temperatures, constantly moist air and good air movement. With Guzmania lingulatas, the flower stalkd has bracts ranging from yellow to orange to red to deep purple.
With nearly 400 species, the Tillandsia species are the largest, most diverse, most widely distributed bromeliads. Several have bright pink flower stalks and blue, purple, red, orange or white flowers. The leaves flush red on flowering plants.
Those with hard, silver-grey leaves can be mounted and grown in bright, filtered sunlight. The terrestrial Tillandsia cyanea has striking, pink, quill-like bracts surrounding large, bright purple flowers.
Vrieseas, with more than 200 species, are the most hybridized and cultivated bromeliad genus. Their long-lasting inflorescences have yellow, green or white flowers and brightly colored bracts. The inflorescences may be upright like a spear, pendulous or even curved.
Weird and wonderful, bromeliads are generally easy to grow and care for, inexpensive yet rewarding, with ornamental foliage and brilliant, long lasting blooms. PL
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