I think this is a fairly common neoregelia, but I'm new to tropicals and found the many varieties a bit overwhelming. I rec'd this and another bromeliad as gifts, but I only know enough to be dangerous where these are concerned! ;)
Both plants produced pups, which I potted up. Have read conflicting things about what happens to the mother plant, but their foliage is still lovely and worth keeping even if they don't bloom again.
Any help is most appreciated!
Dont know a thing about bromelaids, its sure is pretty. I have a huge one that hasn't flowered again, I do have extra pieces coming up all over, thought they would flower, is this what you mean by pups?
I just bought one for my mom at home depot, its so cool, has it sitting right in the middle of a grape wreath, with some other little plant growing in moss on the side, I think I better research how to care for them.
Yes, the new shoots that come up beside the mother plant are what I'm referring to; although, "pup" may not be the right term. I don't have much experience with these plants, but they are beautiful! Like you, flowerprincess, I need to do some more research.
My first impression was that it is a Guzmania, due to the way the flowers seem to be coming from the leaf axils. But it's hard to tell from the top view. How about a side/top picture?
The "sure-fire" way to know if it's a Neo or Guzmania is to check the leaf edges. Neos will have spines, Guzmanias will not. Most Neos will have purple flowers - these look white, more typical of Guzmanias. Also a Guzmania inflouresence will almost always be elevated while Neos have almost no stalk.
Dave.
Don't have a side-view but can get one. I'll also check the leaf edges tomorrow but am pretty sure they're smooth. Thanks, Dave!
thanks! Guess I would have been waiting for it to bloom again and it never would!
At least I know know, I have some good sized pups, so I'll try to plant them.
Interesting.
I was reading about them, and It said to get them to bloom, you put them in a plastic sack with an apple cuz it needs the ethenol or whatever gas to bloom.
That is so weird
How funny you'd mention that, flowerprincess, because I've been considering doing that very thing! It just sounded so bizarre, like some kind of 'old wives tale' or something. But what's to lose, right?! Besides, I love an experiment--I think I'll give it a try. :) D'ya think any kind of apple will do?
Don't know if I'll get this project started today though. Confession: I've been so distracted by this web site that the house is falling apart around me! OK, that's prolly exaggerating but not by much! ;)
I'll keep you posted on my progress. Let me know if you decide to try it, k?
Since I was bringing the plants in anyway (they spent the past couple nights in the garage as we just barely got our first hard freeze), it seemed like the opportune time to try it!
There are 4 plants in the bag, 2 Aechmea fasciata and 2 Guzmania (?), a mother and pup of each. I used 2 apples because of the size of the bag. Here's a pic before I closed it up.
This message was edited Nov 25, 2007 11:10 AM
Maybe I'm just a frustrated mad scientist--ha!
plantmover, ha ha, you'll have to let me know how the science experience goes, ha ha.
Fascinating!
I love an experiment too!
I'll transplant my pups today.
Alright Rocket Scientists ! ............ slow down !!! ........... Before you get too carried away on the old apple or banana-in-a-bag trick - you need to consider some other factors.
Many bromeliads bloom at a year or two old; many others take longer - five or six years not being uncommon for some. When you pot up your pups they will take time to root and grow.
Do you remember the old commercial which stated: "We will serve no wine until it's time"? ............... Well - it's esentially the same for your plants. While they can be artificially stimulated to bloom - they will NOT do so if they aren't mature enough to do so on their own. If you try ....... and they don't bloom this time around, be patient and try again next year. Also - be sure you aren't using a plant that has already bloomed - because ...... Yes - they only bloom ONCE!
If you remove the pups when they are approximately half the size of the parent, there's a good chance that she will produce more pups. The host plant often lives a year or two after blooming and can produce pups for this duration.
Arent' Bromeliads wonderful ! ........... the plants that keep giving ........... ( kind of like mother's guilt)
lol...got quite a chuckle out of your last statement!
Thanks for all the great info, even if it is a bit disappointing to know my experiment is doomed for failure. Oh well, at least I have something to look forward to next year...or the year after...or the year after that. ;)
Seriously tho, I'm thankful to have this forum to hear from people with experience. Thank you, Johntique, for taking the time to provide some direction and knowledge. Good stuff!
Johntique,
Good to know. My Bromelaid is huge, and several pups sprouting, I wondered all the time when it would bloom again, turns out I would have waited forever and wonder what I did wrong to care for it! ha ha
I transplanted the largest pup, it is almost the same size as the mom.
