Bromelia belongs to the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae), which includes as many as 3,000 plant species. In its natural environment, it often grows on trees, rocks and even roofs of buildings, obtaining nutrients from rainfall and atmospheric dust. It is an epiphyte, but it does well in pots at home.
Although bromeliad needs a lot of light, does not tolerate direct sunlight. Its leaves may get burned if exposed to the intense rays of the midday sun. The ideal place for this plant is an eastern windowsill or a shaded balcony, where the light is softer.
Bromeliad feels best at a temperature of 18-27°C. It is sensitive to cold and drafts, so you should avoid opening windows near it in winter. The optimal air humidity is approximately 60-70%. We can achieve it by using a humidifier or a bowl of water placed next to the plant. Some bromeliads are able to survive short-term droughts by storing water in their rosettes. This is an adaptation that allows them to survive in less favorable climatic conditions.
The natural environment of bromeliads causes the plant to prefer an unusual method of irrigation. Water should go directly to the rosette of leaves. Use soft, filtered water to avoid mineral build-up. The water in the rosette should be changed once a week to prevent bacterial growth and rot.
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The bromeliad substrate should be slightly moist, but not overwatered. Excess water can lead to root rot. It is worth adding that bromeliads prefer permeable, light soil – a mixture of bark, universal soil and perlite will work perfectly.
Bromelia delights with its intense, vivid colors of flowers, which are one of its greatest decorative advantages. Depending on the species and variety, the flowers can take on different colors – red, yellow, orange and white. The flowering of a bromeliad is the culmination of its life cycle. After flowering, the plant gradually dies, but before that it produces suckers that can be separated and planted as new plants.. It is worth waiting until the young plants are about 1/3 the size of an adult bromeliad and develop their own roots.
Most bromeliads are odorless. Their attractiveness lies mainly in their intense colors and exotic appearance, not in their aroma. However, there are exceptions – some species, such as Guzmania, Tillandsia Whether Aechmeamay have a delicate smell, especially during flowering.
You want to speed up the flowering of your bromeliads? Just place a ripe apple or banana near the plant. Ethylene released by the fruit stimulates the plant to produce flowers. This technique is widely used by gardeners around the world.
The winter months can be a difficult time for bromeliads. Less light and dry air from radiators may affect its condition. During this period we should:
- reduce the frequency of watering, remembering to keep the rosette moist;
- regularly sprinkle the leaves with soft water to prevent them from drying out;
- place the plant away from heat sources such as radiators.
Few people know that bromeliads are natural air purifiers. NASA research has shown that they are effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde. Thanks to this, tropical beauty not only decorates the interior, but also improves its quality.
