Guzmania are suitable for potted specimens
The stately vriesea flower. Behind flower: guzmania.
How bromeliads like to grow Delve into the exotic world of bromeliads and see how many of our popular garden plants are classified under the bromeliad family. Originating from the tropical Americas, bromeliads come in array of fascinating florescent colours, leaf characteristics and growing habits bringing an instant touch of the tropics to the coolest and driest climate gardens. Many are epiphytes (i.e. using other plants as a non parasitic host), growing happily in a fork of a tree or on a log. page 04 | About the garden magazine
Like orchids, bromeliads use the soil they grow in more for anchorage than for sustenance. They grow very well in pots with a light, open potting mix such as Searles Cymbidium & Bromeliad Specialty Mix. They can also do well when tied into the boughs of trees. This can create extra ‘levels’ of interest in your garden, but make sure it doesn’t mean they don’t miss out on being watered during dry periods. Bromeliads come from the tropical Americas where they grow as forest under storey plants and tree-dwelling epiphytes. Most are shade lovers and need shelter from frost in very cold or mountain areas. Despite their tropical origins, they grow happily in all but the coldest and driest of climates.
Watering tips
Most bromeliads form a ‘well’ structure in their centre where water pools and acts as a reservoir which can help sustain them during dry periods. It is often a heavenly poolside retreat for frogs. Whenever this well dries up, it’s time to water them again. Although bromeliads don’t necessarily need feeding, this ‘well’ is the place to apply fertilisers if you wish. Never drop slow release fertiliser pellets into the reservoir as they will quickly dissolve and overdose your plants. An application of SeaMax Fish & Kelp at one-third strength can be the perfect food for your bromeliads. To make the most of this feature, make sure that the central cup is positioned upright.