METOAKA DESERT ROSE NURSERY AND DESIGN

We Currently have Aechmea fasciata.

Most bromeliad like a temperatures below 35 °F  to 100 °F.  The requirement moister depends on the species.  Some like high or low humidity with moist but not wet roots.  Light requirement differ from each species too.  Fertilizer requirement will also differ from none to weekly heavy feeding.

The plant roots need to have a firm support either for a plant that is mounted or potted.  The humidity needs to be maintained along with good air circulation.  The light requirement needs to proper for the species.  Have good drainage and avoid temperature flexuations.

These plants require no over watering.  It is better to become dry during intervals.  Over fertilizing certain species especially during the winter is hazarous.  Sudden movement from shade to full sun can also be harmful.  Do not place plants in direct airflow from heating or cooling outlets. 

Potting:

1. Potting medium,Organic ir Inorganic (soilless), or a combination of the two.  Provide quick drainage. Firm support.  Plastic pots hold moisture well.  Dark plastic pots may get hot in the sun and injure roots.  Clay pots require more frequent watering.  Clay pots accumulate mineral salts and algae.
2. The soil line should only reach the base of the leaves for stability.  Planted to deep will cause rot.
3. Plant in a pot near the diameter of the plant.  Smaller pot can restrict root growth.  Larger pot allows roots to spread.  Under/over-potting may be called for to achieve proper growth for a given species.

Mounting:

Epiphytic (attached to a tree) and Saxicolous (attached to a rock) bromeliads develop holdfast roots. (The plant must be firmly affixed to its support so that the tender root tips can attach to the support.)

1. Best mounting surfaces are cork slabs, stone pieces, wood slabs, lava rock, driftwood, large fishing floats.

2. Salts must be removed from items that have been in seawater. Soaking for two weeks, completely submerged, with frequent water changes

Watering

Bromeliads in their natural habitat grow under many varied conditions: rain forest, cloud forest, nightly fog or heavy morning dew.

1. Water well...

2. Allow to dry before watering

(Tank-type bromeliads are those that hold water in the cup and leaf axils)

1. Frequent flushing is required by pouring fresh water over the plant, inverting and filling again to prevent stagnation and buildup mineral salts.

2. The quality of the water is important. Tap water can generally be used for watering the pots. Using rain, distilled or reverse-osmosis water from tanks is preferred water.

Humidity: High humidity is preferred. Normally, 50% relative humidity will suffice.

Air Circulation: Constant air movement

Disease and Pests:  Rot and fungus from over watering or bad potting mix are the only problems.

Aechmea and Billbergia (tank-type bromeliads)

(Easily grown, dependable bloomers, and an interesting array of colors, form and foliage, these genera are very popular.)

1. Flush the tanks ONCE A WEEK.
2. Moderate to bright light
3. Protect from wind damage
4. Feed monthly with 20-20-20 fertilizer at half strength.
5. Can be either potted or mounted.

Neoregelia (tank-type bromeliads) (Spectacular foliage plants in cultivation.)

1. For the best color: place the plants in bright light to full sun.
2. Water less frequently
3. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-59-10) quarter of strength each week in the pot only.
4. Under-pot in a loose mix with little organic matter.

Cryptanthus (terrestrial plants)(Known as "earth stars", naturally grow on the rainforest floor in the rich humus.)

1. Bright but diffused light
2. Keep wet.
3. Feed regularly with 20-20-20 fertilizer (this will bring out all their color and enhance their interesting shape.)
4. Plant over the pot since the root system is spreading and shallow. Not usually suitable for mounting.

Dyckia and Hechtia contrary to their appearance (being often mistaken for some kind of cactus or succulent) these thorny plants

1. Plant in big pots
2. Water regularly and keep moist
3. Fertilize regular.
4. Plant in clay pots for best results.

Tillandsia

(There are two types of this genus: green or soft leaves and gray or hard leaves.)Mount the hard-leafed types.

1. Diffused light
2. Receive water and fertilizer by spraying or occasionally soaking. They must drain and dry quickly. Pot the soft-leafed types. (Tank-type bromeliads)
3. For the best color: place the plants in bright light to full sun.
4. Water less frequently
5. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-59-10) quarter of strength each week in the pot only. Soil should be a loose mix with little organic matter.

Guzmania, Nidularium and Vriesa are very are sensitive to heat, wet roots, mineral salts, and stagnant water, this group of bromeliads are a little more difficult to grow than others are.

1. Moderate light
2. Maintain high humidity
3. Good air movement.
4. Soft leaves are subject to wind and chewing-insect damage.