BROMELIADS

The Bromeliad family encompasses a wide variety of genera from the Western Hemisphere ranging from epiphytic and lithophytic, to terrestrial, from full sun to deep shade, from desert to rain forest. As a result, cultural conditions can vary accordingly.

NEOREGELIAS

Neos are popular for their colorful foliage. The inflorescences are insignificant, since the shortlived flowers are fairly hidden in the cup.

Neos also occur both epiphytically and as terrestrials. Thus a porous, well-drained medium is a must. Most varieties in the trade develop foliage color only after the flowering process has begun. However, Neos 'Deb' and 'Lila'^PPAF color fairly early, and not necessarily associated with flower initiation.

To enhance the color in these Neos, reduce fertilization as plants approach maturity. When potting from 4” to 6”, do not incorporate dry fertilizers. Use low rates of liquid fertilizers or none at all.

Neoregelias tolerate a wider range of light levels, from 47% shade to 73%. Generally, 63 to 73% is better; in greenhouses, 2-3,000 foot-candles.

This genus is also more tolerant of occasional drying out.

Neoregelia 'Deb'

Neoregelia 'Lila'

VRIESEAS

Vrieseas are primarily epiphytes, although a few will grow on the jungle floor in leaf mulch.

Porosity and drainage are a must for this genus. 73 to 80% shade (2000 FC maximum) is best for this group.

GENERAL CULTURE

One important characteristic applies to all genera: Although Copper is an essential element for growth in all plants, including Bromeliads, high levels of Cu such as Copper based fungicides are toxic to Bromeliads. Avoid such products as Kocide and Phyton 27. Another source of Copper can be certain types of pressure-treated wood. Some shade houses in mild climates are made of pressure treated lumber. Growing Bromeliad under such wood could cause damage from leaching copper.

If adding supplemental trace element mixes, avoid high levels of Copper, as well as Boron, Zinc, and Manganese.

Good ventilation is essential for successful growing of Bromeliads.

For most varieties, maintain humidity levels between 65% and 80%.

Under Florida growing conditions, maintain water in the cups at all times. If the cups are allowed to dry out, the leaves may become brittle and distorted.

GROWING MEDIA

Again, porosity and drainage are essential for root development in Bromeliads. If you use peat, it must be high quality fibrous peat. Various types of wood chips, fir bark, pine bark, or redwood chips are good choices to achieve porosity. Perlite is good also. Coir (coconut fiber) is gaining in popularity as a good substrate for this group. Some growers are using pure coir. There are many good commercial mixes that work well.

Maintain pH at 5.0 to 5.5. Add about one pound of dolomite per cubic yard as a source of calcium and magnesium.

FERTILIZATION

Excessive Nitrogen will cause weak, elongated leaves, and can delay or prevent color in the foliage of Neoregelias. N P K ratio should be 1: 1: 1 or 1:1.5:2. Higher levels of P and K are acceptable as long as the EC does not exceed 1.5. Use acidic fertilizers.

Liquid feed at a rate of 100 to 200 ppm, depending on whether you are constantly feeding, or alternating with water. After applying liquid feed over young plants, always wash briefly with plain water afterwards.

Use lower rates of fertilizers with very young plants: 50 to 100 ppm N.

TEMPERATURE

Optimal temperatures for most Bromeliads range from 55^o to 85^oF. Brief periods down to 45^oF usually won't affect growth. Temperatures above 95^oF will slow or stop growth, as well as increase disease susceptibility.

DISEASES

Pythium will be a problem if medium is kept too moist. For control and/or prevention, drench with Subdue. Drench with Cleary's 3336 to prevent Fusarium and Rhizoctonia.

Helminthosporium, a leaf spot disease, can be controlled with mancozeb.

Exerohilum, a leaf spot fungus which makes linear lesions, has a propensity to infect Neoregelias. A 'sprenching' of Dithane will provide control. Neos should be grown dryer than Guzmanias or Vriesias to prevent this and other fungi.

If given good ventilation and grown on benches, diseases are generally not a problem.

PESTS

Scale and mealybug are the most common pests. These can be controlled with Malathion, Enstar, Mavrik, Marathon, Talstar. Horticulture Oils work well, but do not apply in excessive heat. If mosquitoes in the cups are a problem, spray with Malathion.

FORCE BLOOMING

Most if not all Bromeliads can be force-bloomed with ethylene compounds such as Florel. These compounds can be sprayed on parts of a crop to insure salable plants in spike or in color at desired seasons. Recommended rates for application of Florel (ethrel) vary from 1.5 oz. to 4 oz. (and up) per gallon. With a tank of gaseous material, individual plants can be forced by bubbling the gas into the cup of the plant, or bubbling gas into a bucket of water, then applying to the cup of the plant. Plants should flower about two months after treatment.

© Revised 08/07/2007 OGLESBY PLANTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
This text is a recommendation only; it is not an endorsement of any products or acceptance of any liability as a result of usage.