GUSMANIA AND OTHER BROMELIUM
According to modern classification, an extensive family Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) has over 3000 plant species, united in 52 kind. Consider a few of the most popular in indoor floriculture.
Plants of the bromeliad family
GUSMANIA (GUZMANIA)
Typical as a rosette of leaves (classic bromeliad funnel), and in agricultural technology, a representative of the family. Valued for large expressive inflorescences, retaining decorativeness up to six months. A large number of varieties with different colors of bracts have been bred, from white to dark crimson.
ЭХМЕЯ (AESNMEA)
In room culture, striped ehmeya is often bred (A. fasciata). Its long dark green leaves are covered with silvery scales., forming striped pattern, which gave the name to the species. By the way, these scales must be groomed and cherished, since they are largely responsible for the absorption of moisture. While the wire-like roots of Echmea have acquired exceptional tenacity and even release a special adhesive to firmly anchor in the substrate..
VRIEZIA (VRIESEA)
Leads like ground, and epiphytic lifestyle. The color of the arcuate folded leaves can be monochromatic green of varying intensity or "marble" with a pattern of stripes and spots. Not demanding on soils, grows well in standard substrates for bromeliads, and lightweight with the addition of sphagnum, sand, bark pieces of universal flower mixtures.
PINEAPPLE(PINEAPPLE)
Typically "soil" representative of the family. It is not an epiphyte and grows naturally in the open spaces of the Campos of South America. Therefore, the best place for pineapple will be a southern exposure window with a significant amount of direct sunlight.. Outdoor content possible in summer. The soil is fertile (leaf land, humus, peat, sand, 2:2:1:1). With sufficient lighting, it is possible to obtain full-fledged fruits at home..
MINIATURE varieties with brightly colored leaves have inedible fruits.
CRYPTANTUS (CRIPTANTHUS)
Also terrestrial plant, under the canopy and on the edges of the tropical forest in places covers the soil surface with a continuous carpet. Cryptantus are prized for their varied coloration of the leaf funnel. The root system is sufficiently developed, therefore, the substrate must be fertile, moisture-absorbing and at the same time lightweight, eg, made from equal parts of leafy soil and slightly decomposed high-moor peat (or coconut fiber) with addition 1/2 pieces of coarse sand.
GROUND XEROPHITES
Dickia (Dyckia), puja (Riua), gehtia (Hechtia) live on rocky scree, in arid savannas and dry campos. Quite varied in appearance. Hechtia and Dikkia with their dense, fleshy leaves that look like agave or aloe. A puja has a stem uncharacteristic for bromeliads and resembles a pandanus or yucca. Its trunk is capable of branching, woody and reaches several meters in height in some species. Xerophytic bromeliads require good sunlight, easily tolerate low air humidity and irregular watering. Agrotechnology is similar to that for succulents and cacti..
TILLANDSIA (TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES)
Worthy of separate mention. A plant without roots at all, resembles a loofah or beard. Widespread in the southern American states (known as "Louisiana moss"), hanging from tree branches, telegraph poles, electrical wires. Demanding air humidity and good ventilation.
© Author: Alexander CYMBAL, plant collector, r. Tolyatti
