0
0
You don’t have to travel thousands of kilometers for exotics. Thanks to selected species of plants, it will find its way to you on its own. One such beauty that can bring real exotic refreshment to the home is the bromeliad.
Although bromeliad is not one of the most cultivated exotic plants in our country, many growers do not allow it. The plant with an unmissable appearance, which came to us from distant rainforests, became very quickly domesticated in the local conditions. At present, it decorates individual rooms in apartments, family houses, or offices.
What is the characteristic of bromeliads?
- Currently, up to about 3,000 species of bromeliads are known.
- Bromeliad leaves grow in different shapes and are colored in different shades.
- The most common shape formed by leaves are roses, from which flower heads grow.
- The flowers are colored differently, but most species have a red tint.
- Several species grow in rainforests attached to branches in treetops.
In our country, it is grown as a houseplant
While in tropical countries, bromeliad occurs in the wild, in our country it is grown rather than a houseplant. Thanks to optimal living conditions, it will stay healthy and beautiful all year round, which is another reason why houseplant growers love it. In addition, its cultivation requires minimal care, for which it is rewarded with attractive flowers of various shades from red through orange to various variations of pink.
Conditions for the cultivation of bromeliads
Location
The location of bromeliads must be adapted to the requirements arising from its origin. One of them is the location in a place where there is plenty of daylight. However, the plant must not be in direct sunlight, which could burn it.
Temperature
The tropical origin is also related to the demands of bromeliad on the temperature of the environment in which it is located. If you grow it at home in a pot, the temperature in the room should be kept above 20 ° C.
Soil type
Bromeliad feels best in slightly acidic soil that is well permeable. Since the soil specially intended for growing this exotic plant is relatively difficult to find in our country, you can use a substrate for orchids.
How to take care of bromeliad in the apartment?
Topping
No plant originating in the rainforests despises enough moisture. However, excessive watering is detrimental. The roots of bromeliad could start to rot, so watering it once every 2 to 3 days, or whenever the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
You shouldn’t overdo it with fertilizer either. Many growers recommend fertilizing more often, but in half doses, preferably with liquid fertilizers. Bromeliad is sensitive to too many nutrients.
Reproduction
The right time to propagate bromeliad is during the flowering period. Propagation takes place by cutting off new shoots, which arise when the colored rose of the mother plant blooms. The cut shoots are then rooted in a new pot with moistened soil, ideally in a room where the temperature is at least 24 ° C.
What should bromeliad be protected from?
Pests do not look for very bromeliads. Exceptionally, aphids or mites may appear, which are affected by a quality spray or so-called insecticidal soap. The exotic plant is also quite resistant to selected flower diseases. Most of the problems are caused by rather unsuitable conditions, especially poor location, lack of light, or low temperature in the room where you grow it. You can pay for them by rotting or rapid drying and subsequent leaf fall.
Interesting at the end…
Bromeliad blooms only once in her life. You even have to wait 3 to 4 years for it to flourish. The immediate growth of the new bromeliad immediately after the death of the mother plant also makes it unique.
