March 2017: Bromeliads Houseplant of the Month
The story of Bromeliads
Cheerful, colourful, tropical and blessed with extraordinary appearances: the Bromeliad has long been the most exotic beauty amongst the houseplants. Initially people were not drawn to the attractive conical leaf rosettes and their brightly coloured bracts so much as to the delicious fruit of the best-known Bromeliad, the pineapple. There are more than 1600 different species in the wild. The plants are compact or extended, and grow concentrically from the leaf rosette. The stem grows up from this funnel with beautifully coloured bracts, amongst which unusual flowers emerge. All Bromeliads are ‘monocarps’. That means that the plant has reached the end of its life after flowering. Although baby plants will have formed by then, which will flower again after a few years.
Origin
Most Bromeliads originate from the tropical regions of North and South America, where they grow in varying climatic conditions. The Bromeliads include species such as Pineapple, Guzmania, Vriesea, Aechmea and Tillandsia. In the wild most of these plants grow on trees with thread-like roots (epiphytic) without drawing nutrients or water from the tree. They get those from the air.
Most Bromeliads originate from the tropical regions of North and South America, where they grow in varying climatic conditions. The Bromeliads include species such as Pineapple, Guzmania, Vriesea, Aechmea and Tillandsia. In the wild most of these plants grow on trees with thread-like roots (epiphytic) without drawing nutrients or water from the tree. They get those from the air.
What to look for when buying Bromeliads
- Bromeliads are classified by pot size, diameter and thickness of the plant, and the way in which the bracts are or are not branched. The question of whether the bracts are upright or slanted in the rosette and how ripe the plant is also determine classification. If the flowers have already largely emerged amidst the bracts, the plant is past its peak.
- Bromeliads are little troubled by pests and diseases. Damage to the bracts or the foliage is often caused by shipping, storage or cold damage. The plant can also be too ripe, or have yellow leaves. There are virtually no other pests or diseases present during the sale phase.
- All Bromeliads must be stored at a minimum of 12-15°, and preferably warmer. You should therefore leave the plant in the sleeve or box during the shipping and storage phase in order to avoid cold damage.
- Temperature fluctuations can cause cells in the leaf to rupture, which makes the plant less visually attractive. Ensure that the plant doesn’t get too damp. High humidity or condensation in the cellophane can cause botrytis.
Choice of range
The Bromeliad range is diverse and colourful. The best-known species are Guzmania and Vriesea, whereby Guzmania blooms concentrically and Vriesea always has a somewhat flat inflorescence. The leaves are always smooth and usually green, but there are also variegated varieties. They both come in a wide range of colours and in various sizes. There are even botanical varieties of Vriesea which are sold as a foliage plant thanks to the decorative leaf markings. The pineapple is also a member of the Bromeliaceae family - as a houseplant it’s known as the pineapple plant. These plants are offered because of the decorative fruit in the rosettes. Ananas ‘Pacifico’ is an attractive red colour. One of the oldest and best-known Bromeliads is the Achmea or urn plant. In the past it usually came with serrated leaves, but nowadays it comes with attractive smooth edges and a beautiful pink inflorescence: Aechmea ‘Primera’. The classic pink variety has now been joined by white, red, orange and bicoloured varieties. Another common Bromeliad is Tillandsia cyanea, with pink inflorescences from which the cyan-coloured flowers emerge.
The Bromeliad range is diverse and colourful. The best-known species are Guzmania and Vriesea, whereby Guzmania blooms concentrically and Vriesea always has a somewhat flat inflorescence. The leaves are always smooth and usually green, but there are also variegated varieties. They both come in a wide range of colours and in various sizes. There are even botanical varieties of Vriesea which are sold as a foliage plant thanks to the decorative leaf markings. The pineapple is also a member of the Bromeliaceae family - as a houseplant it’s known as the pineapple plant. These plants are offered because of the decorative fruit in the rosettes. Ananas ‘Pacifico’ is an attractive red colour. One of the oldest and best-known Bromeliads is the Achmea or urn plant. In the past it usually came with serrated leaves, but nowadays it comes with attractive smooth edges and a beautiful pink inflorescence: Aechmea ‘Primera’. The classic pink variety has now been joined by white, red, orange and bicoloured varieties. Another common Bromeliad is Tillandsia cyanea, with pink inflorescences from which the cyan-coloured flowers emerge.
Care tips for consumers
- Bromeliads are very easy to look after. Place the plant in a light, warm spot, but not in full sun. Bromeliads can also be placed outdoors in the summer months, provided that the plant has shade for part of the day in order to avoid scorching.
- The rosettes contain absorbent hairs and scales with which the plant absorbs water and nutrients. Bromeliads particularly need water in the rosette and sparingly on the soil. Watering once a week is sufficient. Replace the water in the rosette regularly. The plant can be lightly misted on the leaves during flowering. To ensure lengthy and lavish flowering, give the plant some plant food once a month.
For weddings these would make excellent table displays or the smaller varieties would make superb favours.
Team up your wedding colours with the time of year, red for St Valentines Day, Yellows for Easter, Orange for Autumn and there will be a bromeliad for you.
Bromeliads are produced in a very environmentally friendly way, which can be a good argument for choosing this plant, in view of the interest in sustainable living.
All photos and information is supplied by Thejoyofplants.co.uk and The Flower Council of Holland.
If you would like to purchase any of these fabulous plants either for yourself or as a gift or to discuss using them for your wedding designs please get in touch for availability.
Sandra x
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