Hello all...
I currently only have one big bromeliad... a lovely Aechmea fasciata that I saved from the clutches of a negletful Wal-Mart back in the winter. It shared with us a beautiful bloom which is now gone, and then had to tolerate me moving from one apt to another, and spent some time in and out and in and out and in and out again, while they did renovations on our building.
She's hangin' in there, but from what I have read, this large plant will eventually die off since it has bloomed, but not before multiplying itself with "pups". Currently, I do have two pups growing off of the main stem at the bottom, each about the size of my thumbnail.
Questions start with...
How much sun can this plant tolerate?
Best potting mix for this plant? (Currently appears to be in straight peat, as bought)
How long before the parent plant dies?
How long do I wait before removing the pups, and how do I do it?
Can you offer better general care tips for a novice?
Hubby loves this plant, so I want to keep her going, or at least save the pups for new plants, and do the best by them I can. The only other broms I have is a mixed wreath of tillandsias, and they don't require much attention from me.
I can offer a photo in a later post, but I am not on my home computer right now, so that will have to wait.
Thanks in advance for any assistance that can be offered!
Karen
Aechmea questions
I'll try to answer...sun really varies on which aechmea it is so I'll wait til the photo is posted. Bromeliads don't really "need" soil - they get their nutrients from what falls in them. You can grow them on rocks or pieces of wood - many people like driftwood because it's attractive. Most of mine are planted straight in the Florida sand, but for my potted ones I use orchid mix. The important thing is not to bury them too deep because they will rot. The parent plant can live for quite some time or die off quickly; again, it's one of those things that really varies. For the pups, wait until they're at least 1/3 the size of the parent. I usually just snap them apart with my hands, but a better idea is to use pruners. You can usually tell where they want to separate from the parent; make sure you get a little of the "stem". It sounds like you have a pretty good idea what you're doing. Most people don't realize the parent dies off and they think the whole plant is dying. I had to explain it to one of my co-workers, and I still don't think she got it. When you post the pic hopefully I can be more help!
Melanie
Thanks Melanie, for the assistance. I forgot to take a photo this evening, so I will try to remember to do it tomorrow.
I appreciate the info...
Karen