I have several bromeliads growing in the ground (not potted). Some of them have religiously produced blooms every other year. A couple have not bloomed for more than two years. Is there any way to help them produce a flower?
I've been told - don't laugh please, that one sure way of doing it is to cover the plant with plastic and put a banana in with it. Supposedly, you "gas" the plant and it will bloom. Has anyone ever heard this or tried it?
All help most appreciated:)
Bloomless in North Palm Beach
Help me help my bromeliads bloom!
Yes, it is true. Ethylene gas triggers the growing meristem to "convert" from a growing point to a blooming point. Ethylene plays a very interesting role in plants, having all kinds of effects.
Many ripe fruits give off the gas and apples are often used. You have to allow the gas to reach the meristem at the growing point deep in the rosette, i.e empty the rosette of water first.) Of course, the plant needs to be reasonably mature and healthy.
One can buy pellets that will produce ethylene when put in a rosette of water and blooming usually happens within 4-6 weeks. I have bought these at Bromeliad shows and I do not know of a regular source. I do need some more and I'll ask my grower friends.
Digital_Dave,
Thanks for the info... as it happens, our bananas have been very prolific. I think I could waste a couple pieces of fruit on the bromeliads.
Have a great day. And if you come up with a source for the ethylene pellets, I would really appreciate knowing where you find them.
Meg
OK that is so neat to know!! So how long would you need to leave the plant covered with the fruit? I do not know very much about what I am doing but I am very eager to learn!!
Id be interested to know more specifics about this also as my bromiliads havent bloomed either. Another question I had is, in my area (San Antonio, Texas) we dont get very hard winters. Will I need to bring these into the green house or leave them out in the pots they are in?
Anaid, I'm in Tampa, Fl and I don't bring in any of my bromeliads. Most of mine are planted in the ground. If we have a frost warning I cover them with old blankets and bedsheets and they've done fine. I'm not sure how similar your climate is, but hopefully that will give you an idea. I'd say if there's one you spent some money on or just really love and want to be on the safe side, go ahead and bring it in.
Melanie
thanks Mel
I have always used apples in a brown paper bag to produce the ethylene gas.
Im so excited! I have some old bananas so gonna try this method this week............do I just lay the whole banana in the pot or cut it up or ??????????? I want to make sure I do it right.