bromeliad pups

When a bromeliad plant reaches maturity it will stop producing leaves and the flower will bloom into a beautiful, unique formation. At this point, the healthy bromeliad will produce offshoot plants from the base called pups. Pups are exact clones of the mother plant and are her way of continuing her legacy.

Do you have to remove Bromeliad pups?

Do I need to separate them from the original plant? A: The growths are called offsets or pups. Bromeliads slowly die over a period of a year or two after flowering. ... The pups should be separated from the mother plant after they have developed a small rosette or circle of leaves similar to the mother plant.

How long does it take for bromeliad puppies to bloom?

Most bromeliads bloom once, and on the average it takes a plant about 18 months to flower. But that bloom may linger for weeks, even months, depending on the variety. After flowering, the plant will produce pups that can be detached and potted when they are one-third to one-half the size of the mother plant.

What do Bromeliad pups look like?

After the bract is dead, the "mother" plant will send out a series of offsets, or bromeliad pups, from the base of the plant. They'll look like tiny versions of the mother plant emerging from between the mother plant's bigger leaves.

What do you do with a bromeliad after it blooms?

They are epiphytic in nature and reproduce vegetatively by forming offsets or pups. Once the unique flower is spent, you should remove it so the plant can spend its energy on forming pups. Bromeliad care after flowering is much the same while it was in flower. The leaves form a cup in which you can pour water.

How long do bromeliads last?

Originally from the tropics of South America, Central America and Africa, these tropical indoor plants are easy to care for and are easy on the pocketbook. The most common variety of bromeliads, the flowering guzmania (Guzmania spp.), last for two to three years, reports Homestead Gardens.

Do bromeliads like sun or shade?

Depending on the species, these beauties can reach up to 2m high and wide. They're also quite adaptable and can be found growing in shade to full sun. However, they develop their best colour and shape in full sun with afternoon shade.

How often do you water a bromeliad plant?

While their roots prefer to be moist, they can never be allowed to remain soggy. Water that does not drain properly through your potting medium can cause your plant to develop root or crown rot. It is often times sufficient to water your bromeliad once a week.

When should you pick bromeliad puppies?

The pups should be a third to a half the size of the parent before division. You may begin to see roots on pups, but even if they have not formed roots, mature pups can survive since they are epiphytic. Once they are big enough, it is time for harvesting and planting bromeliad pups.

How long does it take Bromeliad pups to root?

It takes a couple of weeks for the root systems to grow and become established, so support the plant with small stakes if necessary. Although the pups are old enough to live on their own, they won't be mature enough to bloom until they are at least a year old -- some don't bloom until age 3 or later.

How do you get bromeliads to rebloom?

Forcing a Bromeliad to Bloom Sooner

Empty the depression in the plant and encase it in a large plastic bag accompanied by a slice of apple, kiwi or banana. These fruits give off ethylene gas, which will help force the plant into bloom. Keep the plant in the bag for 10 days and then remove the covering.

Do bromeliads bloom more than once?

Bromeliads often have both striking foliage as well as flowers. However, a bromeliad will only bloom once throughout its lifespan. Though that seems like a bummer, especially if you bought the bromeliad for its blooms, the flowers actually last for a good portion of time—generally 3 to 6 months.

What is the best soil for bromeliads?

Find a pot that has multiple drainage holes and is no more than ⅓ larger than the root ball of the bromeliad you're looking to plant. Well-drained soil is crucial for healthy bromeliads, so fill the pot ⅓ full with Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, which is specially formulated for low-water plants.

Do bromeliads like coffee grounds?

A few suggested brown materials are leaves, straw, chipped branches and tree trimmings, paper and sawdust. These are generally slower to decompose. Green materials include plant-based kitchen scraps (no bones, fat or meat leftovers), grass clippings, manures, coffee grinds, eggshells and green leaves, among others.

Do bromeliads attract mosquitoes?

Bromeliads can be Mosquito Breeding Grounds

But certain types, such as tank bromeliads, can hold water between their leaves – making it a great place for mosquitoes to breed.

How do you propagate bromeliad puppies?

Here are the steps you can follow. They are simple!

Remove the pups from the mother plant either by pulling away or cutting them off. ...
Fill the pot with a mix of 1/2 potting soil & 1/2 orchid bark. ...
Arrange the pups in the pot however you want. ...
Top with bark. ...
Water in well.

Is a bromeliad a perennial?

Bromeliads are perennial monocotyledons -- plants that have one seed leaf like lilies or corn, rather than two seed leaves like roses or beans. Their seeds have a food reserve, which means bromeliads can be grown like most other plants. ... At maturity, bromeliads range in size from about an inch to 30 feet.

Are bromeliads easy to care for?

Bromeliad plant care is easy and requires no special tools or fertilizers. Feed the plants with a half strength fertilizer every month in the growing season. ... Some bromeliads grow well as “air plants,” which are glued or nested onto logs, moss or other non-soil organic items.

Do Bromeliads need misting?

Bromeliads are more likely to die from over-watering than under-watering. Their sensitive roots like to be moist but cannot remain in potting mix that remains overly wet. These bromeliads are commonly referred to as air plants and require misting. ...

Can I put my Bromeliad outside?

As long as you live where the winters are mild and warm, or you bring your plants in before the temperatures drop, you can grow bromeliads outside. The epiphytic types are happy with sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees. ... Terrestrial species can be planted in a potting soil made especially for bromeliads.

Can you plant bromeliads in the ground?

Outdoors. Bromeliads can also be grown outdoors. They will thrive all year in tropical climates, but can also be placed outdoors in containers during the summer in more extreme climates. Bromeliads in containers will do well on shaded patios or under trees with broad canopies that allow dappled light through.

How do you bring back a dying bromeliad?

Examine the Bromeliad

Examine the Bromeliad.
Check the bromeliad's soil for light, even moistness. ...
Switch to Distilled Water.
Pour the water out of the plant's center cup, and refill the center cup with distilled water. ...
Adjust the Plant's Light Level.
Monitor the light levels the bromeliad receives. ...
Mist the Bromeliad.