table of contents
- The bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
- The blossom
- Caution, do not dispose of immediately!
- instructions
- frequently asked Questions
Bromeliads are popular as houseplants. They enchant with their exotic looking flowers. Unfortunately, they only bloom once, then they die. What do you do when the Bromeliad faded?
In a nutshell
- Bromeliads only bloom once
- colored bracts are perceived as flowers
- Bromeliad flowers are small and inconspicuous
- after flowering, the plants die
- Extraction of offshoots and growing of new plants possible
The bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
More than 2500 different species of bromeliad are known worldwide. Already in the 18th The first specimens came to Europe in the 19th century. Bromeliads should not be missing in any home or office. They are considered to be effective air fresheners. In the gardening trade, bromeliads are available in many magical varieties all year round. the most popular varieties of bromeliad are:
- Aechmea
- pineapple
- Guzmania
- Tillandsia
- Vriesea
By the way, the exotic plants are perfect for anyone who doesn't have a green thumb. They are extremely easy to care for.
Care tips:
- Bromeliads need a light spot in the window or on the balcony when the temperature is warm. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Water the plant regularly in the center of the leaf rosette.
- Sprinkle the leaves with lukewarm water every now and then.
- No fertilizer is required.
The blossom
The part of the plant that we perceive as the bromeliad flower is basically not a flower. They are colored bracts. These envelop the real flowers, which are small and inconspicuous. You have to look carefully and be quick to discover them. They only last a few days, then they fall off.
The bracts, which are yellow, orange, purple, pink or white in color, are interesting. The bright colors are attractive to pollinating insects. Unfortunately, the exotic plant only enchants us once in its life with this play of colors. When the bromeliad fades, the plant's short life ends. She dies. First the bracts dry up, then the beautiful green leaves.
Caution, do not dispose of immediately!
Before you dispose of the houseplant prematurely, you can gain offspring. At the base, under the leaves, the so-called Kindel grow. The offshoots of various plant species are referred to as "Kindel". You can grow a new bromeliad from these miniature plants and enjoy the houseplant with its extraordinary flowering again next year.
instructions
- After the bromeliad has withered, place it in a partially shaded spot.
- Supply the plant with water that is low in lime as usual. Pour the water into the center of the rosette. As soon as there is no more water in the middle, it is time to refill.
- Keep the substrate moist by spraying it occasionally.
- Do not remove the bromeliad's offshoots immediately after they have faded. Only when the offshoot is about half the size of the mother plant is the right time to separate. Use a sharp, clean knife and cut off the offshoot. 5. Place the mini bromeliad on paper towels overnight. This allows the wound to heal well.
- Put orchid soil or special bromeliad substrate in a bowl.
- Put on gloves because the sharp edges of the leaves can cause injuries and allergic reactions.
- Plant the cuttings in the soil. The roots should be well covered. Separate the young plants after two to three months.
- Pour the bromeliads over the center of the rosette. The soil should remain as dry as possible.
- Place the flower pot in a warm, light spot on the windowsill. The young bromeliad should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
When the young plant blooms for the time is different. Some bromeliads take several years to bloom and then die off. Under good conditions, the houseplant will produce its first flowers after just a few months.
Tip: Apples should never be stored near fresh fruits and vegetables, because the ethylene they give off drives the ripening process. Apples are very welcome near a bromeliad. The apples accelerate the formation of bromeliad flowers.
frequently asked Questions
In nature, the seeds from the faded bromeliad flowers are distributed by the wind. If you want to propagate the houseplant with seeds, you have to lay it out on potting soil, press it lightly and keep it moist. When the seedlings are strong enough, you can separate them. Propagation by seeds requires constant temperatures. You can win young plants much easier, faster and with greater success using the cuttings.
Unfortunately, pruning the bracts will have no effect if the bromeliad fades. The common method of stimulating plants to form new flowers does not work with bromeliads. Premature pruning of the bromeliad flower can also prevent children from developing.
About three to four weeks after the bromeliad has faded, the child will be about half the size of the mother plant. Then the best time to cut is reached.