Bromeliads
Bromeliaceae
Many bromeliads are epiphytic. In their native habitat they use trees, rocks, and other plants for physical support. They have a very minimal root system and draw their sustenance from water and pockets of soil collected by their roots and the "vases" formed by their leaves. They usually grow high in the canopy of the rain forests. They need extremely well drained medium... some can be grown on slabs of bark or mix of loose bark. If you choose to grow on the slab you will have to provide high humidity.
Moisutre - allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings but always make sure that the vase has water in it... never allow it to completely dry out.
Light - Provide the highest light possible
Temperature - average to hot temps
Fertilizer - 3 times in the summer using 10-30-10 solution
Pests - watch for scales and mealybugs
Repotting - pot in an epiphyte mix, repot only when the mix itself begins to break down
Propagation - seperate offsets
Types of Bromeliads
Living Vase Plant (Aechmea fasciata) - has thick spined bluish to gray leaves... sometimes streaked with silver and white... it's flowers are actually large spikes of purple to blue bracts that contain the true flowers of red or purple ..... TIPS: - when the main flower has faded the plant develops side shoots when they are about 6 inches tall prune out the main "vase" to keep the plant growing
Vase Plant (Billbergia) - Native to the tropics and subtropics... the vase plant has long strappy leaves and purple to red flowers accompanied with colorful pink or purple bracts that last for a long time. Each vase dies soon after it flowers but it is replaced by another vase or two TIPS - remove the flowering case as soon as the flower fades and the vase begins to yellow
Earth Star (Cryptanthus bivittatus) - this is a terrestrial bromeliad... it is grown for its outstanding leaf colors of pin, green & silver. The plant is small and flattened and is well suited for dish gardens or light gardens. TIPS- propagate by removing offsets and potting them before they develop any roots
Pineapple Dyckia (Dyckia brevifola) - this is a soil dwelling epiphyte that is very tough and can tolerate neglect. It is stiff almost like a cactus and has very beautiful leaves with stripes and scales both underneath and on top - TIPS - place where the leaves wont be damaged by folks walking by