Hello,
I have an Acanthostachys strobilacea. I dont know a lot about bromeliads. I got it in a 3 inch pot, and its not very big, or very full. I got it because I used to have a huge one in a 10 inch pot that hung about 2 or 3 ft that was georgeous. I left it behind when I moved, and wanted to get another one.This is the only one Ive been able to find. I know they arent very fast growers, and cant wait to have a huge full plant again. The one I have only has about 4 leaves/ branches (not sure what they are called in bromeliads). My question is, if there is anything I can do to make it fuller. I know a lot of plants will sprout 2 leaves where you cut if off if you cut a leaf. I just am not sure if bromeliads do this. If you can do this, can you reroot the piece you cut off? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Acanthostachys strobilacea
Hi Lismil ........
Your Strobilacea - like it's sister Pitcairniodes - is a slow growing bromeliad. Cutting off any viable leaves (which cannot be rooted) will only stunt the plant and cause it to grow slower. Photosynthesis occurs in the leaves - so the fewer the leaves - the less food it can manufacture for growth. Patience is a virtue - and a slightly larger pot might be in order ........ perhaps 5 inches. We are also in the "slow grow" season with diminished light intensity and duration, so let time do it's thing.
John
This plant makes a nice hanging basket. Mine is old and reliably blooms every year. The seed is large, easy to germinate and grows fairly rapidly.