bromeliadplants

A very dramatic bloom and a cycle of life that provides beautiful foliage, makes the Bromeliad plant a popular plant in the yard and indoors.

Surprisingly the Bromeliad plant is related to Spanish moss and also is related to the pineapple plant. The Bromeliad is native to the American Tropics. In its native environment Bromeliad plants will get their nutrients from the air and rain. They have a special root structure that it has developed so that it can attach itself to tree trunks, branches, and even rocks. These Bromeliads are known as saxicolous. Many types of Bromeliads are terrestrial and grow in the ground like most plants do. Amazingly each type of Bromeliad can switch places and adapt to its new environment! It is also able to adapt to both indoor and outdoor environments.

Plant enthusiasts are drawn to Bromeliads because of their beautiful blooms. Mostly they are cultivated to grow indoors but will also grow well out doors in warm and humid environments. The Bromeliad only blooms once in its life time, but with the variation in leaves, the Bromeliad is still a good choice for home décor and gardens because it is and easy to grow plant that is hardy.

In the plant family, Bromeliaceae, there is a wide range of variety in the following:

• Shape


• Color


• Size

The Bromeliad plants that are cultivated for indoor environments often have the following common appearance traits:

• There are no stems


• The is a central flower spike


• Leaf texture is leathery


• Arched leaves arranged in a rosette


• Leaves that are strap-shaped

With good air circulation and humidity, most Bromeliad plants will flourish indoors.
Once a plant is mature enough to start blooming, it can be encouraged to bloom by doing the following:

• Properly fertilized


• Watered regularly


• Adequate light


• Warmth (a lamp near by may help)


• Add a small amount of Epsom salts to soil (for the magnesium)

A Bromeliad bloom can be one of a wide variety of colors from yellows to deep burgundies. When a Bromeliad plant is preparing to bloom, the leaves on the upper part of the plant will also change color, which will intensify the color and the appearance of the Bromeliad bloom. Once the Bromeliad plant blooms the plant will focus on producing the next generation of Bromeliads and “pups” will begin to sprout up around the plant.

Some Bromeliads may bloom more than once, but most Bromeliad plants cultivated for the indoor growing will have only one beautiful and dramatic bloom in a lifetime. A well cared for Bromeliad will add beauty to any home or garden. Its “pups” can be transplanted to add to an indoor or outdoor garden. They can also be shared with friends or sold at swap meets.

Bromeliad plants are easily found for purchase at nurseries, grocery stores, florists, and some department stores.