Bromeliads

Bromeliads are native only to the Americas – mainly South America, but can be found from Virginia to Chile and Peru. Columbus brought the first of these plants – a pineapple - to Europe in 1493. But it was not until the 1700s that botanists began to catalogue them. There are about 250 genera with about 2000 species. There are probably more still undiscovered in South American jungles. The main genera are:

Aechmea is mainly broad-leaved include A. Fasciata, some have an inflorescence which lasts up to five months. Others have tiny flower heads, which can be very difficult to pollinate. Graham showed us some grown on a log.

Neoregelia makes a spectacular garden edging, the flower is right down in the head. These are bred for leaf colour.

Vriesea is now being bred for leaf colouration, sacrificing the flower for the leaf, but bears a spear or feather like flower-originally with a green leaf. A spectacular plant with tall narrow leaves is the ‘Grecian Urn Plant’.

Tillandsia has the biggest ‘family’ with between 400 and 700 species. These are ‘air-plants’ live on air, originated in areas of fog, mist and rain. Different shapes: can be grown in pots or on trees as they originated on trees, learned to adapt when fallen to the ground. When leaves turn red it indicates the plant is ready to flower.

Dyckia is rather like a cactus, suitable for rockeries can be treated roughly. Crypianthus: grows in soil such as orchid mix or ordinary potting mix. Bromeliads are generally hardy. Can grow in full sun or part shade, can be left in the garden. They can be grown or mounted on driftwood etc. (stick with glue and or tie with a piece of stocking) will develop roots.

Growing

Most Bromeliads do not like the intense heat of dry and exposed flower beds. There are some tough varieties though. Bromeliads are used as background décor in many American sit-coms and talk shows. They are spectacular and last well indoors and under bright lights. A little direct sun is good but be careful that they do not roast in 40+ heat waves. They can withstand a light frost, but in highland areas and areas prone to heavy frost they will require cloches to protect them over winter, otherwise you will have very expensive compost.

Feeding

To feed, spray with half strength fertiliser, and with a misty water spray (if inside). In their natural conditions they trap water and insects in the leaves which provide food. There is a great variety of leaf size, shape, colour, texture and a great variety of flowers from the large A.frasciata, ‘feathery’ Tillandsias, long stemmed A.distichantha and spear-like Vrieseas.

Bromeliads ‘throw’ ‘pups’ and will ‘throw’ roots. Leave the old flower until it is ‘daggy’ - this will allow the pups to grow.

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