Bruce Lee explained that bromeliads originated from South and Central America. They are very diverse with many different groups, with most belonging to 3 families:- Bromelioideae, Pitcairniodeae and Tillandsioodeae. Bromeliads grow in many sizes ranging from delicate Spanish Moss to magnificently large Tillandsia with a 2 metre spike.
Bruce brought along many varieties to demonstrate the variation to be found in the plants. He said the large plants could take up to 15 years for the plant to produce the first flower. One variety can take as long as 80 to 100 years to flower.
Some of the hardier plants can be planted into the ground if the soil drains well. To grow in pots use a medium of pine bark, ½ potting mix and ½ orchid mix.
To grow on trees, using a stocking, fill with potting mix and attach to the tree with wire. Bromeliads can also be grown in a tree fern stump.
To propagate cut off pups that form from the base of the plant, plants will produce a pup after flowering.
Bromeliads are best grown under trees where they are protected from extreme weather and are nourished from plant debris, there are some varieties that can tolerate full sun and even grow in rocky conditions.
Bruce kindly donated a bromeliad to raffle.
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