The Rapid Growing Flower Stalks of 'Mini' Billbergia nutans.

These were gifts from DG's gardeners to me in years past. It's possibly back in 2007? Each year, it surprised me with its flowers. However, it just dawned on me. I've missed its development from the inflorescent's budding stage until it's in full blooms. It goes like this. Each winter while everything seem to be hibernating outdoor, indoor there is a quiet glow of a few house plants foliage, all in a sudden I discovered the beautiful, exotic colorful inflos just as they unfurl. As if it's a reminder, "there is beauty in every season".

This winter while DH was cleaning out our tropical fish aquarium. I took the opportunity to catch some of the nutrient-rich water and water the bromie. A day or two later, I noticed the 1st pink inflorescent poke its nose through the surface. Yet, another day or two, I saw the second inflo.

The multicolor inflorescent is about to unfurl. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/126929/

It's about to ... open.

Last pix was taken early this morning.

This afternoon;

That is one cool plant!! I love plants that are different, and that one definately is!
Dee

Thanks Dee, it's indeed one cool plant. I'm glad you've enjoyed watching the thread.

Although the stalk (inflorescent) grew quickly. Not until yesterday one of the flowers actually opened;

Love it! I'm green with envy. I'll be watching for one of these.
Dee

The plant isn't much to look at, but once it blooms. It's pandora box of a beauty! I was fortunate to have received such "friendship" plant as it was.

Look forward to the bloom. I love winter showoffs! April Showers is my snapshot today. It bloomed last season, however. bob

This message was edited Jan 22, 2012 11:56 PM

A.S. is very cheerful looking, orchidman1. What species is she?

Lily:_Love
Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee) (Info)
Genus: Epiphyllum (ep-ih-FYE-lum) (Info)
Cultivar: April Shower
She has long and spindly stems and is very easily grown. bob

Thanks Bob. Is it blooming now out of its usual season as the name of "April Shower" suggested?

Ok, here comes the species Billbergia nutans. The previous posting (of mine) belongs to a hybrid named "Mini". Unlike that of 'Mini' the species plant is much bigger in statue, and ofcourse the blooms and flower stalk are bigger as well. I discovered the blooms when I went into the basement's makeshift greenhouse to water the plants. Today, the temp. was unusually warm, so I brought it outside for some fresh air. Enjoy.

I zoomed in on the bright flower stalk.

...bit closer;

Hi Kim,

You know I am just a dumb Artist from down under.
But I always thought your plant was a Bromeliad ???

This is my Brom. from a few years ago.
What do you think ?

Hi Kell, you're absolutely correct. A brommie as I've stated earlier. In its native habitat have you gave it plenty of sunshine thus color is so bright? I may have post this thread in a wrong forum. If so please advise.
Kim

My bad Kim.

I thought I had read right through your wonderful Thread.
And when I read what Orchidman1 said.
I thought he was describing your Plant Flower.

I think your thread is in the perfect place.
The Orchid Cacti Forum is a tad dead.
So if you don't add something, Admin might close it just like she has done with other slow Forums. :o(
Here is another of my BROMELIAD Flowers.

That's very interesting Kell. I hope our forums keep on.

Did you know that an administrator of Daves Garden, closed down the “Outdoor Grilling and Cooking Forum” ???
She claims there was not enough traffic there.
I had a Thread there waiting for a post/reply.

kell.

Ummm, so it's like and unresolved issue? I am so sorry that it has taken place. Kell. I wasn't even aware that there was one and was close off.

I finished up putting it on the Equine Forum.

They get a bit more traffic than here.
Did you read my story about my 'Turducken' ?
It is on the Equine Forum.

No I didn't. Never have visited there the Equine Forum.

Has anyone ever grown these from seed? I had some put up seed pods this year and I haven't ever seen seeds on them before.

When the blooms open on the species, are they the same color as the mini? I must admit that I am a fan of big plants, but I absolutely love the colors of the blooms on the mini. They are "wild thangs"..lol
Dee

ibartoo, I have no earthly idea how those seeds look like or how to care for them. For the fact that they bloom indoor during winter, I don't even know if they're self-fertile? So I can't answer your question. Dee, the flowers on the species is about the same as those of the hybrid 'Mini'. The only difference I've observed is that the species nutans' bright pink bracts are larger and thicker than that of Mini's bracts.

Also Kell's brommie is a different variety than nutans I think.