Essential characteristics of bromeliads
The bromeliads They make up a large family of tropical plants, native primarily to Central and South America. Their intense green leaves alternate with brightly colored bracts that can transform any corner of your home. They are appreciated for their resistance and their ability to adapt as indoor plants., recreating the tropical atmosphere inside the house.
There are two main types of bromeliads depending on their natural habitat: land, which grow in the ground, and epiphytes, which grow on tree trunks. At home, both are usually grown in pots with porous substrate and good drainage. They are monocarpic plants, which means that they bloom only once before generating offspring that perpetuate the species.
Ideal conditions and location
The bromeliads demand some specific conditions to flourish and stay healthyIn their natural environment, they thrive in warm, humid, and shady conditions, so we should try to replicate these conditions at home. Choose a bright place but without direct sunlight, since excessive solar radiation can cause leaf burns.
La optimal temperature For these plants, the temperature ranges between 15 and 29°C, never falling below 12°C. Avoid drafts and placing them near radiators or direct heat sources.
Substrate, irrigation and humidity: keys to success
El substratum Ideal for bromeliads should be light, airy and with excellent drainage. A mixture of peat and river sand, accompanied by a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot, helps prevent waterlogging and root rot.
El irrigation It is one of the most fundamental aspects:
- Water moderately every 5 to 9 days, depending on ambient temperature and humidity.
- Ensures water in the central crown of the plant (the chalice). Always keep a small amount of fresh water in that key point, replacing it every week and evacuating stagnant water to prevent fungus and disease.
- Don't forget to spray the leaves daily with lime-free water, such as mineral water or rainwater, to increase the humidity.
- Avoid over-wetting the substrate; if your fingers feel damp, don't water until you notice dryness.
Feeding, fertilization and maintenance
To reinforce the growth and flowering To maintain your bromeliad's growth, add a special orchid fertilizer diluted in the irrigation water monthly. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers to prevent adverse flower development.
Cut the dried inflorescence as close to the base as possible. new offspring (suckers) will appear in a few days and, when they reach about 15 cm, they can be separated with their own roots to form new plants.
A trick to increase humidity: Place the pot on a tray with stones and water (without touching the base of the container), use a humidifier or place the bromeliads in well-lit bathrooms, where the humidity is low. humidity is older.
Main problems and solutions
Bromeliads, although hardy, can be affected by some diseases and pests. Quickly identify any problems and respond with the following tips:
| Causes | Specifications: | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Mushrooms | Yellowed leaves, rotten center, mucilaginous substance | Cut off damaged leaves, disinfect your tools with lime |
| Excess of water | Bad smell, yellowish leaves | Reduces watering frequency and improves drainage |
| Excess light | Withered appearance | Move the plant to an area with filtered light |
| Pests | Center of the rosette eaten | Isolate the plant and remove it if it is severely affected. |
Main varieties and extra tips
- Bromelia aechmea fasciata: Dark green leaves with a hint of grey, spike-shaped inflorescence, watering on the rosette.
- Bromeliad guzmania: Deep red central bracts, flowering two years after sowing.
- Bromelia vriesea splendens: Bright green rosette leaves, flowers with yellow and red bracts during spring-summer.
Although it is not common to obtain fruits indoors, their Berries are usually rich in vitamin C and mineralsBromeliads provide an exotic and refreshing air to any space and, after flowering, they leave descendants ready to perpetuate the beauty in your home.
