Here is a wonderful and crazy looking bromeliad that I saw at the store. I just can't believe that spike! I almost thought it was fake. Of course no one had a clue, I just wish you guys were with me all the time. All of my questions would have a quick and accurate answer. Oh, and is it just me or should there be some sort of crash course on plants if you are going to work at a garden center? LOL Thank you much for the time and effort!
The main thing to remember about a Bromeliad is very few live in the soil, the way they are sold in stores. These plants do not have roots, but instead have hold fasts. The difference is a root transfers water and nourishment while the hold fasts simply hold the plant in place. A Bromeliad normally grows on the branch of a tree and is known as an epiphyte. As a result, it does no good to water the soil. The care is relatively simple, just keep clean water in the cone. Every few days, dump it out and replace the water. These plants normally grow relatively high in the tree because they are seeking the sunlight. Keep it near a bright window. The portion that appears to be a flower is an inflorescence, or group of flowers. Once it dies the plant will soon die as well. However, don't panic and throw it out. If you watch carefully you will see a new pup, perhaps more, develop at the base of the plant. If you keep it watered with freshwater in the cone, keep it in bright light, and allow the soil to dry out these new pups will eventually develop into full grown plants. They too will eventually produce their own inflorescence and then the mother plant will also die. It is just nature's way to have the plant reproduce itself. Most growers prefer to pot them in the fine orchid bark. You may want to look up any of the Bromeliad societies for more information.
Photopro, thank you. And not just for this posting. You are a valuable resource and a wealth of information. I have learned so much just by reading old posts. Definitely one of the big wigs of this forum! Thank you. I also have your website in my favorites. Oh, and what is an aroid? I can find lists of plants, but not the actual definition. Thank you again.
Sure don't know about a "big wig", we just love tropical plants. An aroid is a plant that reproduces by the production of an inflorescence that contains a spathe and spadix. The most commonly grown aroid house plants are the Peach Lily (Spathiphyllum), Anthurium (sometimes called a Flamingo Flower), Philodendron, Alocasia and many other plants. The entire family includes approximately 3300 species in about 112 to 116 genera. If you take a look at my site you'll see tons of aroids along with orchids, bromeliads and other tropical plants. www.ExoticRainforest.com I added a photo to show you what the inflorescence of an aroid including a spathe and spadix look like. You can find info explaining all of this on the second link below: Another useful source is the International Aroid Society www.Aroid.org This link explains about aroid inflorescences. http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Natural and artificial pollination in aroids.html
