Bromeliad Species

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The bromeliad family has variety galore, and belongs to the same family as pineapple plants and Spanish moss. Very easy to grow and tend to be trouble free. Have attractive and colorful foliage and flowers, with flowers that often last for more than a month. Bromeliads are grouped into two broad categories: epiphytic (grown above ground) and terrestrial (grown in the soil). Five groups of bromeliads that are considered the tried-and-true houseplants: Aechmea, Cryptanthus, Guzmania, Neoregelia, and Vriesea. As a general rule, keep out of hot direct sun. They like warm temperatures of at least 50 degrees F (10 C), and high humidity. Most bromeliads have whorls of foliage that form a cup in the center. When watering plants facing upwards in a container (not hanging on a wall) fill the cup with room temperature tap water. Let the cup become nearly empty before refilling. Wall mounted plants need to be sprayed once or twice a week. If your bromeliad doesn't have a cup of foliage, keep the soil moist but not soggy. For all types of bomeliads, you can induce flowering by draining all water, and place the plant inside a plastic bag with one ripe apple. Tightly seal the bag for 7 to 10 days. Remove the plant and it should flower in 6 to 14 weeks. Temperatures below 40 degrees F (4.4 C) and overwatering can lead to crown rot. Bromeliads are not heavy feeders, feed every 2 months with a soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply to the soil if a terrestrial and spray on the plant foliage with a spray bottle if an epiphytic. Avoid applying the fertilizer in the foliage cup where you normally water because you may stain the foliage.