bromeliad
Vriesea spp.
Also Known As - flaming swordCycle:
Biennial
Watering:
Frequent
Hardiness Zone:
6
Flowers:
Showy, White, Violet, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Magenta, Red, Purple, Dark-red Flowers In Winter
Sun:
part sun/part shade
Soil:
Acidic, Well-drained
Fruits:
black Fruits Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,purple
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Moderate
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Pansies require regular watering to look their best and thrive. The general rule of thumb is to water your pansies once every 2-3 days in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. In the winter, you can reduce the frequency of watering if temperatures drop below 40 F (4 C). Be sure to check the soil around the base of the pansies; if it feels dry, then it's time to water. When watering, be sure to soak the soil until water comes out of the drainage holes. If pansies are planted in containers, it's especially important to water them often and make sure they don't dry out completely.
sunlight
Pansies thrive in full sun to part shade. In cooler climates, they do best when receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally morning sunlight. In more southern, warmer climates, they can tolerate up to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Morning sunlight is still preferred, and they should be shaded from hot afternoon sun.
pruning
Pansies should be pruned annually in order to encourage a healthy growth and abundant bloom. Prune them back in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Cut the stems back to about 2-thirds of the original size. This will keep the plant in the desired neat, low-growing mound shape but still allow it to produce plenty of flowers in the season. Remove any dead foliage and spent flowers throughout the year to encourage new growth.
Propagation
Season
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Do bromeliads have flowers?
Yes, bromeliads do have flowers. The flowers of a bromeliad can take a range of shapes, from large and showy to small and subtle. The color of the flowers can vary among the species, with colors including reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, purples, and blends of colors. The bracts that surround the small flowers can also be quite colorful and vibrant, adding an extra layer of color to the bromeliad.
Is bromeliad a succulent?
No, bromeliad is not a succulent. Bromeliads are members of the larger flowering plant family Bromeliaceae and are native to the tropical Americas. They can tolerate moisture, dappled light, and semi-shade, but they are not usually considered succulents since they do not store water in their leaves or stems. They can vary in size from small and dull to lush and showy, and require different growing conditions than most succulents.
Are bromeliads epiphytes?
Yes, bromeliads are epiphytes. They are "air plants" that use the structure of their host plant, such as a branch or trunk, as a place to grow, instead of soil. They often have roots that attach to their host plants but do not actually penetrate the plant. In their natural environment, bromeliads can also be found growing on rocks, tree trunks, and other non-plant objects.
Could bromeliads grow indoors?
Yes, bromeliads can definitely grow indoors. These tropical plants are relatively easy to care for, thriving in indirect light and warm temperatures; they make a great choice for windowsills and other areas of the home. Bromeliads also require very little water and nutrients, making them ideal for those who do not have a green thumb. With their bright, vibrant colors, bromeliads instantly add a splash of life to any room.
Is Bromeliad a good air purifier?
Yes, bromeliads are an excellent air purifier. The plant's broad, deep leaves catch and filter dust and other particles from the air. Bromeliads also absorb and reduce volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde, which can accumulate in homes. The air purifying capabilities of bromeliads have been documented in scientific studies, showing that the plant can reduce concentrations of harmful pollutants. Bromeliads also help to humidify the surrounding air, making them ideal for bedrooms and other indoor spaces.
Is bromeliad a popular plant in landscaping?
Yes, bromeliad plants are becoming increasingly popular in landscaping. They are well-loved for the unique foliage, bold colours and interesting shapes that adorn their leaves. Bromeliads also boast an impressive ability to thrive with minimal attention, making them an ideal landscape addition for busy homeowners. Bromeliads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from short cascading plants to tall flowering trees, and make excellent accent pieces for many different landscaping schemes.
Is bromeliad a good plant for a winter garden?
No, bromeliads are not a good plant for a winter garden. These tropical plants prefer temperatures around 75-90 degrees. Since winters are usually much cooler, bromeliads will not survive in a winter garden. If you wish to plant one in the winter, you will need to take extra steps to protect it from the cold such as providing a heated shelter, using frost cloth and keeping the plant in a pot to move it indoors if needed.
