Bromeliads is an epiphyte, which means it grows on top of other plants

Bromeliads have been hybridized to the point of having so many different varieties that it is hard to keep up with them.

The leaves as well as the flowers of the different plants can be different but actually this is still a bromeliad. Hybridizing is the process of crossbreeding the plants to create new plants.

They Are Easier to Grow than You Think

Many people think bromeliads are an exotic plant and are difficult to grow because they look different than regular flowering plants. The truth is they are not hard to grow.

There are over 3,000 different species across the nation. They are native to America but can grow as far south as southern Argentina.

The bromeliad is an epiphyte, which means it grows on top of other plants but it does not take nutrition from the host plant. There are certain species that grow in dirt as well.

Growing Conditions for Bromeliads

Bromeliads prefer the day time temperature to be from 70 to 90 degrees. Night time temperature is best at between 45 and 60 degrees.

As long as the temperatures range within the level they prefer, these plants will do very well.

After the bromeliad produces flowers, it will have pups that appear on the mother plant. They should not be removed until they are almost ½ the size of the original plant.

By then you should see some roots at the base of the pup. Then they may be cut off leaving a solid base and planted.

Some people plant these flowers in pine bark. They will grow and do very well if they receive enough air circulation and are in the area in which they like to reside.

Most bromeliads like the humidity to be from 50 to 75%.

Keep this in mind if you decide to try growing them inside. Some people plant them in hanging baskets. These plants can even be attached to trees for the all natural look they create.

• The bromeliad is very good at letting you know if they are not happy where you place them. If the leaves start to look burned, they are getting too much light.

If it does not have the amount of color it should have, it is not getting enough light. Finding a happy medium is the key to growing the best looking and healthiest plants.

Fertilizing bromeliads regularly is not necessary. The only time most people use fertilizer is if they are trying to get the plant to make pups.

There are a couple of exceptions to this rule. Two varieties, Cryptanthus and Tilandsias like to be fertilized.

The mixture that should be used is 20/20/20 that dissolves in water and should be used at half the strength that is recommended for other plants. The fertilizer should never be nitrogen based fertilizer and never use mineral salts.

There are constantly new plants being hybridized so the ones that come out anew are usually sold for large amounts of money although they are becoming more affordable.

Many plant nurseries do not carry very many of these plants. In order to find a large selection more than likely you will have to find a grower who specializes in these plants.

A Few of the Different Varieties

The following are a few of the varieties you might be interested in should you decide to try your hand at growing these beautiful plants.

• Aechmea - Often called the urn or living vase, these bromeliads bloom all year. The blooms are mainly pink.

• Billbergia - Leaves that are variegated, this plant has urn shaped leaves. Their flowers are very bright and colorful although they do not last long.

• Guzmania - The leaves of this bromeliad have maroon, brown and purple lines. They run the length of the leaves and provide the background for the red, yellow or white flowers.

• Vriesea - This plant is the second largest in its genus. They have flowers that are usually green, white or yellow and are very long lasting.

They can be shaped like a spear, standing straight up or they may hang or dangle. The leaves are spotted or marked. This bromeliad is very sensitive to cold temperatures.

The different types of Bromeliad are great for growing indoors or outdoors. If you want, they can be grown in a greenhouse.

If you want a plant that is easy to grow, beautiful and one that your friends will think is the latest exotic plant to come along.

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