Brilliant Bromeliads
Aechmea chantinni
https://liveplantcollections.biology.duke.edu/featured-collections/epiphytes
Pineapple is the most economically important, easily recognized, and only edible bromeliad. However, this tropical looking epiphyte (plant that grows on another plant, but is not a parasite) is an easy going, stunning house plant. They are fun to grow with unusual variegated leaf colors and striking blooms.
Native to tropical North and South America, Europeans were introduced to the plants when Columbus sent some pineapples back to Spain after discovering them in the West Indies. That was just the tip of the iceberg as there are about 2500 species of bromeliads (with thousands more hybrids and cultivars). Others grow by attaching themselves to trees or rocks, and on the forest floor. They vary from one inch to more than 30 feet in size. The foliage is the most attractive feature, with striking bands, stripes, or spots of brilliant red, green, orange, purple, and yellow colors.
Individual plants flower only once with a stunning, bold, and beautiful bloom. It takes 1-3 years to produce a bloom, which then slowly dies. The flower stalks have colorful bracts (modified leaves at the base of the flower) that last for several months. However, the parent plant sends out several pups that can be carefully removed with a sharp knife and put in a new pot to start the process again. Wait until the pup is one third to one half the size of the parent before removing it, pot it appropriately, and keep in in a more humid environment until roots are established.
Bromeliads need moderate light to full sun when grown indoors, but will also tolerate low light. In their natural conditions, in the treetops or on the forest floors, they may have periods of shade followed by bright sunlight when the canopy opens. In the home environment, they will do best when placed in an east, west, or south west window. Avoid putting them too close to cold drafts or near sources of heat. The plant itself will indicate if the light is correct; ones that turn yellowish are getting too much light and those that are dark green and elongated are getting insufficient light.
Most bromeliads grown as houseplants are ground plants and not ones that occur naturally in trees. Therefore, they do rely on their roots for nutrients and water uptake. Use a well-drained potting medium such as an orchid mix which allows quick water drainage and air circulation around the roots.
Bromeliads do not require significant fertilizer, but well do will during the growing season with a half strength fertilizer application every few weeks. Bromeliads have a natural reservoir formed by their overlapping, vase shaped leaves. The plant can be watered by wetting the soil around the base of the plant, or by adding water to the vase periodically. Either way, do not overwater. Add water until it passes through to the bottom of the pot, then do not water again until the surface dries. The plant can survive periods of drought, but too much moisture will lead to root rot.
The most common, readily available, and easiest for beginners are bromeliads in the Guzmania species. The bracts are yellow, green, scarlet, purple, or red. The blooms are white or yellow and last for several months. These are from shadier habitats and do well in home environments. With more than 150 options, there is one for everyone.
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener