FEATURES OF HOME CONTENT OF GUSMANIA AND OTHER BROMELIUM

These plants are often found in flower shops., but they are considered exotic and not very common in home collections. And all because, that need a special approach taking into account biological characteristics.

Plants of the bromeliad family

Temperature and lighting

Agricultural technology of various epiphytic bromeliads (they are the most common in indoor floriculture) generally similar. These are heat-loving plants., optimal temperature of their content - +20-25 city, summer and +18-20 city, in winter. Indicators below +15 city, already critical.

Although epiphytic bromeliads live mainly under the canopy of the rainforest, they are photophilous and grow well in bright diffused lighting. This is especially true for plants of the genera vriezia (Vriesea), neoregelia (Neoregelia) and cryptanthus (Cryptanthus), characterized by strong, decorative leaf coloring.

Planting bromeliads and substrate for them

All epiphytes, and bromeliads are no exception, have an underdeveloped superficial root system, largely lost its suction function, and the main purpose of which is often to fix in the substrate or on any surface. By the way, some types of tillandsia (Tillandsia) completely rootless. Therefore, growing epiphytes does not require spacious pots..

A mixture of crushed pine bark and sphagnum moss is suitable as a substrate for planting. (1:1). For better aeration, it is necessary to pour a high layer of drainage on the bottom of the pot.. Efficiently growing epiphytic bromeliads on snags, wood cuts, stem sections in block culture, most appropriate to the natural type of growth. Looks decorative and natural, but it should be noted, that block culture is much more complicated, as it requires constant humidity control.

Features of watering bromeliads

Under natural conditions, epiphytes are content exclusively with atmospheric moisture., practically free of mineral salts. Therefore, soft water is needed to water them., rain or boiled and settled water supply. Watering plentiful, but before that, the substrate should dry out slightly, so that the roots have access to air. In winter, the water rate is reduced, especially at low temperatures.

Due to the looseness of the substrate, it is more convenient to water all epiphytes by immersing the pot in a container with water on 30-40 minutes. Many reference books recommend pouring water directly into the bromeliad leaf funnel. However, it is safe to say, that they have enough moisture for normal development, getting there with regular daily spraying. The constant presence of water in the funnel, especially in the cold season and with insufficiently comfortable conditions of detention, fraught with rotting of the outlet.

In the WARM season, use water for irrigation once every 20-30 days add fertilizer, intended for epiphytes (according to instructions).

Due to their dense leathery leaves, many bromeliads will eventually adapt to the room atmosphere., therefore they do not need too high humidity, content with performance in 50-60%.

FLOWERING STIMULATION

Under indoor conditions, artificial stimulation is required for the formation of a peduncle in most genera., and this is a feature of the biology of bromeliads. The thing is, that in nature, the signal for flowering is the rainy season, during which the content of gases increases in the surrounding atmosphere, plant residues released during decomposition, in particular, ethylene.

Therefore, 4-5 year olds, well-formed specimens to stimulate flowering on 10-15 days covered with a transparent cap along with several ripe apples (they release ethylene).

This is usually enough, so that through 2-3 flower arrow began to rise. Perhaps, only vriezia does not require artificial stimulation and blooms on its own.

Plants of the bromeliad family

Reproduction of bromeliads

VEGETATIVE.

The main breeding method of bromeliads is the separation of daughter rosettes, formed at the base of the mother plant at the end of flowering. You should not rush to the department. Only after reaching half the size of an adult specimen, the kids are ready for independent life.

The best time for the procedure is March-April. Slices are sprinkled with charcoal and slightly dried. The plots can be immediately planted in a standard "epiphytic" substrate. The first time, watering and spraying should be thorough - for an even supply of moisture.

SEEDS

Seed reproduction of bromeliads is also possible. true, getting seeds indoors is not so easy, because self-pollination of these plants is not typical, and natural pollinators are often too exotic, eg, hummingbirds.

Besides, should be considered, that seed germination lasts no more than six months. The seeds are soaked in 2-3 warm days (+23-25 city.) water, changing it daily, and then sown in a mixture of peat and sand (1:1). The container with crops is placed under the film. Approximately a month after germination, the seedlings dive and further contain according to the standard agricultural technology for bromeliads.

© Author: Alexander TSYMBAP. plant collector, Togliatti

BROMELIUM – SECRETS OF LANDING AND CARE ON VIDEO