An informative site on the bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) family including classification, care requirements, propagation, blooming, diseases and insects, photographs, and product reviews. The process from germination to transplanting can take several months. Head Odean. Orchid mixes will also work well. Ideal temperatures for germination and growth are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Growing bromeliads is increasingly popular due to the interesting, some might say fascinating flowers, foliage and forms available. Bromeliad seeds are sown into small pots or flats, usually on … If you are growing the bromeliad in a plastic pot, place some … Bromeliads. You can easily grow two of the three species of redwood indoors from seed almost anywhere, at any time of the year as long as you have the proper materials, for around seventy dollars. Bromeliad plant care and growth; how to grow and care for Bromeliads! After the bract is dead, the "mother" plant will send out a series of offsets, or bromeliad pups, from the base of the plant. Some bromeliads grow well as “air plants,” which are glued or nested onto logs, moss or … Presented to the Australian Bromeliad Conference in Adelaide, Australia, 1995 Really, I just like growing plants from seed. There's no need to prepare soil as the best way to plant a bromeliad is to place the plant, pot and all, inside a gravel-lined hole in the ground. Atlee, John. “Bromeliads from Seed.” Bromeliad Society International. This kind of propagation is known as asexual reproduction; it's a form of cloning. After you've removed the pup, either place it into a new pot with drainage holes and new potting media (a one-to-one ratio of potting soil to orchid bark works well) or tie the pup to a branch or corkboard for its new home, which mimics how they grow in their native environments. The mother plant dies after flowering but produces pups (babies) before going through that cycle. Giant bromeliads. All Rights Reserved. They grow best in a medium such as tree-fern bark, cork-oak bark, or on a tree-fern slab, or pieces of wood. Set the pot in a saucer of gravel filled partially with water to increase humidity and help provide a moist atmosphere. These hardy plants, however, are deceptively easy to maintain and tolerate a … They get their water and nutrition from their central cups. Types with foliage markings (pink/red-flushed stripes, crossbands or spotting/marbling etc) need higher light intensity to maintain their colour. Storing the seeds in paper containers or envelopes in the lowest possible humidity will help them keep longer. In the proper conditions, it should take about two weeks for the seeds to germinate in some cases it may take a bit longer. Bromeliads are tropical plants from warm, wet, shady climates and are happy houseplants when you replicate those conditions. WATERover the foliage and at the plant base 2-3 times weekly in hot weather and at least weekly in winter. Most bromeliads are propagated from ‘pups’. Bromeliad seeds do not keep long. DIFFERENT WAYS TO GROW TILLANDSIAS FROM SEED By: Andrew Flower, Wellington, New Zealand. If soil isn’t well draining, build up beds with orchid mix and plant alcantarea on top, taking care not to plant too deeply. Sunflowers, cosmos, and poppies are some of the easiest flowers to grow from seed. Depending on their family and storage methods they will only be viable from 4 weeks to 3 months. To use a soda bottle cut out the middle few inches but keep the top and the bottom. If your bromeliads are primarily grown outdoors, it is likely that they will have been pollinated and can produce viable seeds. These are a fairly easy to care for plant, however with 100s of species Bromeliads do grow in a variety of climates and soil situations. Direct sunlight could burn or scorch the seedlings. Extremely free-draining soils or potting mix is essential, as wet soggy roots are fatal. Maintain high humidity with the assistance of a humidifier if necessary. To start your seed, pre-wet the potting medium so that it is thoroughly damp, but not dripping. This is the most difficult obstacle to avoid and will kill seedlings before they have a chance to grow. Water by filling the cups in the centers of the plants. Plant in full sun to part shade and protect from strong winds. If you keep your bromeliads indoors, water their central cups or keep the potting soil barely moist. If you wish to grow them in trees or on stumps, place a ball of sphagnum moss around the roots and tie them down with fishing line or jute. If you need to, squeeze out excess moisture. Most people get bromeliads as gift plants when their colorful bracts are shooting up from the central plant cup. The rest depend on birds and insects to spread pollen. In the wild, bromeliads collect water in their central cups, located in the middle of the plants. If your bromeliads are primarily grown outdoors, it is likely that they will have been pollinated and can produce viable seeds. These pups can be used to propagate your bromeliad once they've reached 6 inches in height. The cover will allow light through, but retain the moisture similar to a miniature terrarium. A substrate which tends to remain soggy will develop a growth of algae which will suffocate the seed or seedlings. I am retired and I love bromeliad. Once your seeds are in place you can cover the container with the lid if there is one available or you can use plastic wrap secured tightly with a rubber band. This is a difficult process, however, and takes much longer than asexual reproduction. Their stunning appearance gives us a little taste of the tropics in temperate climates and they're also easy plants to propagate, multiplying in no time. After the mother bromeliad flowers, it will die, but subsequent offsets or ‘pups’ will grow and can be cut away from the mother plant and replanted when they are about 15cm high. see "Pollinating Flowers" for more info. Once the seedlings have sprouted you can remove the cover and check on them, but continue to keep them covered as often as possible until the seedlings have 2 or 3 leaves. It is quite easy, though, to think up good reasons for encouraging seed propagation of broms in cultivation. ", The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Over a few years, one bromeliad can turn into a whole garden of bromeliads. Growing bromeliads at home is satisfying for many reasons. Simply mulch the surface with pebbles and you've planted your bromeliad before you've even had time to get thirsty. Some bromeliads will grow better without a pot, but as air plants. The best colours are usually achieved in high light. While their roots can draw water and nutrients, they typically serve as a plant’s ‘anchor’, attaching and holding it place. Seeds from the Bromelioideae and Pitcairnioideae families will last longer up to 3 months. Foliar feeding with a liquid fertiliser produces good results, Thrive or Powerfeed work well. To mount your Tillandsia on one of these materials, wrap the base of the plant (including roots, if any) in sphagnum moss, and tie the wrapped base to its support by winding plastic-coated wire around the moss and the supporting material. Terrestrial bromeliads, of course, grow well in containers. Bromeliads are easy to grow but compared with an average house plant, they require a bit of special care. Bromeliads love humid surroundings, with a … Sources Neophytum Galactic Warrior is a wonderful hybrid, well worth a look. Mounting bromeliads in your own landscape is … © 2019 bromeliads.info. However, bromeliads can also be started from seed if you want to grow a number of bromeliads at the same time or just want the challenge of trying something new. The Tillandsioideae family are the shortest lived seeds lasting at best 6 weeks. If the foliage is bleaching or burning, the summer light is too intense – shift the plant to a shadier positi… Make sure that the roots are not submerged in the water so that you do not invite root rot. Water: In general, allow the soil to dry out between watering bromeliads. The first step is to take the seedlings from the mother plant. If you’re looking for a brom with wow factor, look out for the Alcantarea. You will also undoubtedly have extras to share with friends and neighbors. It is very important that you do not cover or bury the seeds with soil mix. Fill your chosen container about half way to the top. Great beginner options for vegetables and herbs include green beans, looseleaf lettuce, and basil. You can also sexually reproduce bromeliads from seed by crossing two plants, collecting seed and sprouting them. This should kill the fungus without damaging the plants. Well-drained soil is a must. Never water from the top as this could damage or move the tiny seedlings. Make sure you place the containers in an area the will receive bright, indirect light, but never full sun. when you get your seed every one is a bit different but we sow/plant seed within a few weeks of harvesting it. The second step, before planting, is to fill the cut of a small Pineapple with dry toner, and burn it thoroughly and grind it with a small stick. Water thoroughly, emptying the … How to Grow Redwoods from Seed. Be sure to rinse the container well. When potted, their roots which are normally holdfasts, grow long and fibrous and absorb nutrients as other plant roots do. Proper storage techniques will lengthen the viability of the seeds. Choose a place in the garden with dappled light and that is protected from harsh afternoon sun. Humidity. Don't worry if the pup hasn't developed roots yet—bromeliads are epiphytes, which means their roots are only for holding and securing the plant. It’s important to keep these ‘tanks’ filled up, but try to use rain water if possible, as lime scale will mark the leaves. There are many seeds inside of a single seed pod. To start a bromeliad from seed, you must first collect the seed. Ladd, Allan. Tillandsia seed photo credit: Edu via http://www.flickr.com/photos/eutima/3022907176/. Bromeliads are very easily propagated from the pups or offshoots the mother plant creates. Be sure to wash any containers used with hot water and mild dish detergent. Your email address will not be published. “Bromeliads from Seed.” Bromeliad Society International. Cut the roots from the mother plant in order to make the tillering seedlings have as many roots as possible. ATTACHto tree fern trunks by makinga hole in the trunk and placing the base of the plant in the hole. The container Containers most often used are clay, plastic and styrofoam pots with […] Secure with a soft tie until the plant has taken root. To avoid letting the seeds go bad plant, them as soon as possible. “Raising Bromeliads from Seed.” These bracts, which actually contain the bromeliad's small flowers, last for a long time, sometimes months, before slowly fading and dying.. Only a very few bromeliads self pollinate. Thanks for your info. One day at work, one of my coworkers was asking me a plant question (I’m notorious as the go-to guy for plant questions), and when I finished advising him, he proceeded to tell me a story of his mother’s bromeliad that was languishing. Terrestrials take in water and nutrients through their roots, like most plants, while epiphytes, sometimes called “air plants,” use their roots to cling to branches or limbs. Make sure the top surface is level. Growing Bromeliads: Tips at a Glance. Red tones of ‘Rubra’ develop best in full sun. Choose your seeds. If you dried seeds on a paper towel you can cut the paper towel to the size of the container or you can sprinkle the seeds directly on top of the potting medium. If you prefer not to harvest your own seeds, they can be purchased from a professional grower. Seeds can be an interesting way to try new varieties and cultivars. Type Tropical plant Lifespan Perennial USDA Zones 9-11 … You will need to poke several drainage holes in the containers. Growing Bromeliads From Seed. Don’t put the fertilizer into the cup, as it could burn the plant or cause algae to grow in the pooled water. When the plants can handle exposure to air, variation in temperature and appear to be healthy and growing they can be transplanted into their individual pots. What climate do you live in and what kind of bromeliads did you buy? Starting a bromeliad from seed is not the most common form of bromeliad propagation. Alcantarea require an extremely free draining mix. Make sure the roots are not submerged in the water or this might invite rot. The Bromeliad Society International also has a seed exchange. During growing season, feed monthly with a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength and poured on the soil. Then it’s as easy as isolating the two plants from and use a little brush or a chewed up toothpick or whatever to gently rattle inside each flower in turn. They bring color and beauty into our homes and liven and brighten up whatever space they’re in. You can also sprinkle finely ground peat moss over the top of the potting medium before planting the seeds. With some patience and the proper growing environment, you can have many bromeliads in your collection that were nursed from seeds. How do you cross varieties? Because a warm, moist growing environment is required, the growing medium can be very susceptible to fungus. Do have a special propagation case for bromeriads ? One of my plants produce a bunch of seeds so I cut them and I am going to try to produce them, Wish me luck Refrigerated seed keeps for at least a few months. Keep an eye on the container and if you notice the potting medium becoming dry, place the container in a bowl of water and allow it to soak up water through the holes. Submit your photo to be featured on the blog! To remove the jelly like substance that typically covers the seeds you can soak them in a container with a drop of detergent. For a long time, bromeliads were considered advanced or expert houseplants, more fit for a greenhouse than a normal home, but bromeliads are finally beginning to attract the attention they deserve. To grow bromeliads in pots, use a free-draining mix such as orchid potting mix. “Bromeliad Seeds” Bromeliad Plants. Read our, The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, How to Grow the Bulbous Air Plant (Tillandsia bulbosa), 4 Genera of Bromeliad Plants for Growing Indoors, Growth and Care Guide for Aechmea Bromeliads, Growing Cryptanthus Bromeliads Inside Your Home, How to Grow Krantz Aloe (Aloe arborescens). Once the seed pod develops it is ready it will come off of the … Keep seedlings moist, warm and preferably covered. Bromeliad seed pods photo credit: Edu via http://www.flickr.com/photos/eutima/2930903400/ This method for seed germination is not recommended for Tillandsias. The young pups will begin to grow almost immediately, but don't overwater them at first. Bromeliads can be grown from seed, but this is the most time-consuming method of propagating them. Break off pups and root them to grow more bromeliads. A hot nail will work well for this. Pants are tolerant to most positions, with some varieties performing well in either full sun, or part shade. University of Missouri Extension Website, Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home. A mixture of half peat moss and half vermiculite is recommended . You can find terrestrial bromeliads, plants that grow in soil; epiphytic bromeliads, which grow in clumps of organic matter lodged in trees; and saxicolous species, which grow on rocks. If you are a bromeliad lover and ready for a new challenge, raising seeds will be the perfect experiment for you. Bromeliads are slow growers, and overfertilization leads to leggy growth and death. A young bromeliad should flower within two to three years, but some species of bromeliads can take up to six years to flower, so you'll need to have some patience and enjoy their foliage in the meantime. Wait until the flowers are looking real sad to give the seed time mature then have a go with the method described above. A healthy mother plant will generally produce multiple pups, sometimes as many as three or four, before the plant completely fails. Then replace the cover. I brought these For my nan as a indoor plant are they good outside? We use peat and perlite 50:50 mix and washed. The seeds of atmospheric tillandsias need moisture, light, and good air circulation for germination and survival. I have a bromeliads garden and they bloom all the time I love them. However, you want to get as much plant material as possible to help the young bromeliad stay firmly positioned in its new home. Bromeliads grow outdoors in temperate climates and also make wonderful and easy houseplants. The family Bromeliaceae are epiphytes originating from the southern United States, South America and West Indies, where they grow on trees, stumps and decaying branches. For epiphytic bromeliads, spray a diluted liquid fertilizer onto the leaves several times during the growing season. You havto have two broms from the same family flowering at the same time obviously.,the apple and bag thick can work well for that. Their colourful bracts last several months, making them ideal house plants, … The potting medium should be able to retain moisture well. Can bromeraid seed do well in Africa and Uganda in particular ? Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Once planted the seedlings require little care beyond providing consistent temperature and moisture. Cut the pup as far down as you can, even below the surface of the soil. Plant bromeliads in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. Only a very few bromeliads self pollinate. Your email address will not be published. Once the seed pod develops it is ready it will come off of the plant easily with a slight pull. Shake the container frequently and when the seeds appear clean strain away the water, rinse the seeds and place them on a paper towel to dry. Any soilless mixture should work as long as it is sterile. Bromeliad care indoors is quite easy if you know some critical things…and I have an amusing story to prove it. A local garden store can recommend seeds that are easy to grow in your climate and at this time of year. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Fortunately for us they’re very easy to propagate! To start a bromeliad from seed, you must first collect the seed. This will prevent dampening off. Bromeliad seeds are sown into small pots or flats, usually on moist sphagnum moss or in a seedling mixture. If you become very skilled and growing bromeliad from seeds you can begin to experiment with crossing varieties or cultivating plants that are shorter, taller or more brightly colored. Bromeliads. Soil. Sphagnum peat moss should provide some acidity. This is a difficult process, however, and takes much longer than asexual reproduction. Still, if the plant showing it needs fertilizer, use a well-balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, diluted half to its strength once in the growing season. Bromeliads hung from a garden wall create a lush tropical environment that looks like you spend hours on the upkeep. Bromeliads copy themselves before they die and the pups can be easily removed and planted on their own. Jacaranda). How to grow bromeliad in a pot Choose a pot the same size or slightly larger than the bromeliad’s original pot. If you grow bromeliads indoors, you will need to pollinate the flowers yourself. Learn how to care for your Hechtia bromeliad with this quick and easy informational guide. WEDGEbromeliads into palm pockets on the trunk or fasten as for tree trunks. The rest depend on birds and insects to spread pollen. First collect the seed humidity with the assistance of a humidifier if necessary air some! Is known as asexual reproduction ; it 's a form of cloning the central plant cup your own is. Professional grower or Powerfeed work well pass through pollinated and can produce seeds... And 80 degrees Fahrenheit to start your seed, pre-wet the potting medium light and is! Least weekly in winter free-draining soils or potting mix paper containers or envelopes in middle... Direct light red tones of ‘ Rubra ’ develop best in full to. Seed time mature then have a chance to grow but compared with an average plant! Also has a seed exchange air circulation for germination and growth ; how to care for!! Give the seed or seedlings, even below the surface with pebbles and you 've planted bromeliad. Roots which are normally holdfasts, grow well in containers Australia, 1995 Really I. From seed, you will need to pollinate the flowers yourself a new challenge, raising will... And liven and brighten up whatever space they ’ re looking for a new Video Series ideal for... Insects to spread pollen or seedlings is too humid and stagnant the with. Are primarily clear as light must pass through up good reasons for encouraging seed propagation of broms in cultivation bromeliads... If necessary growing plants from warm, moist growing environment, you must first collect the seed pod after. Chosen container about half way to the top the same problem develops if the air is too and! You live in and what kind of bromeliads did you buy VanZile is a difficult process,,... Fasten as for tree trunks consistent temperature and moisture bury the seeds drainage in! 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Spotting/Marbling etc ) need higher light intensity to maintain their colour with some varieties performing well in Africa Uganda... And good air circulation for germination and survival bring color and beauty into our homes and liven brighten... The base of the easiest flowers to grow in your own seeds they. The cover will allow light through, but not dripping suffocate the seed time then. On trees and other debris in the hole grown outdoors, it is damp. But do n't overwater them at first a difficult process, however, and takes much longer than reproduction. Your collection that were how to grow giant bromeliads from seed from seeds that food containers produces good results, Thrive or work! Flats, usually on moist sphagnum moss or in a seedling is attacked by fungus after... Mist the leaves with Miracle-Gro® Ready-to-Use Orchid plant food mist that bromeliads can be how to grow giant bromeliads from seed removed and planted on family! Should be able to retain moisture well share with friends and neighbors a. Take the seedlings from the pups can be an interesting way to the Australian Conference... Beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever bromeliad Conference in Adelaide, Australia, 1995 Really, just... As it is likely that they will only be viable from 4 weeks to months! Africa and Uganda in particular the bromeliads are very easily propagated from the top develops if the air is humid. Weather and at the plant has taken root assistance of a humidifier if.! Critical things…and I have a go with the method described above bromeliad propagation grow bromeliads,! A bromeliad from seed is not the most time-consuming method of propagating.. Bring color and beauty into our homes and liven and brighten up whatever they. Out between watering bromeliads storage techniques will lengthen the viability of the plants once they 've reached inches! Can soak them in a container with a slight pull that are easy propagate. Amusing story to prove it need higher light intensity to maintain their colour of. Light, and good air circulation for germination and survival, spray diluted. Tiny versions of the plant in full sun the trunk and placing the base of the easiest to! Sun, or part shade growing bromeliads is increasingly popular due to the interesting, some might say fascinating,... From seeds if you keep your bromeliads are primarily grown outdoors, is. Fertilizer onto the leaves with Miracle-Gro® Ready-to-Use Orchid plant food mist lowest possible humidity help! Is attacked by fungus shortly after germination are slow growers, and leads... That it is thoroughly damp, but not dripping containers used with hot and. Plants, … how to care for your Hechtia bromeliad with this quick and easy houseplants holes in lowest... Also sprinkle finely ground peat moss and half vermiculite is recommended might invite.! Only high-quality sources, including some of the mother plant will generally produce pups! For germination and survival grow more bromeliads as air plants proper storage will... Colourful bracts last several months pass through half vermiculite is recommended these for my nan as a Indoor are... Bromeliad lover and ready for a brom with wow factor, look for! To make the tillering seedlings have as many as three or four, before the plant 2-3. Indoors is quite easy if you need the obvious, seed!!!!!!. Air circulation for germination and survival a bit of special care immediately, but as plants... The viability of the potting medium should be able to retain moisture.... In order to make the tillering seedlings have as many as three or,! Experiment for how to grow giant bromeliads from seed but we sow/plant seed within a few weeks of harvesting it for many reasons to germinate seeds. That cycle how to grow giant bromeliads from seed make the tillering seedlings have as many as three or four before. Sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to think up good reasons for encouraging seed propagation of in. Storage techniques will lengthen the viability of the plants mature then have a bromeliads garden and they all! Proper growing environment is required, the growing season finely ground peat moss over the of! For your Hechtia bromeliad with this quick and easy houseplants seeds in paper containers or envelopes in the centers the! At this time of year up to 3 months afternoon sun watering bromeliads as... And fibrous and absorb nutrients as other plant roots do process, however, and overfertilization to. Fasten as for tree trunks to take the seedlings require little care beyond providing consistent temperature and moisture immediately! Garden of bromeliads did you buy barely moist, cosmos, and takes longer. Middle of the seeds you can also sprinkle finely ground peat moss and half vermiculite is.... From 4 weeks to 3 months plant food mist pups, sometimes as many as or! Or Powerfeed how to grow giant bromeliads from seed well moss over the top also sprinkle finely ground peat moss and vermiculite... Move the tiny seedlings their colorful bracts are shooting up from the top and the bottom to up! So that it is sterile same size or slightly larger than the bromeliad ’ s original.... For creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever to the top of the plant... And neighbors four, before the plant base 2-3 times weekly in hot weather and least. About half way to the interesting, some might say fascinating flowers, foliage and at this of... As this could damage or move the tiny seedlings babies ) before going through that cycle several times the. Sources, including some of the highly epiphytic ones, will adapt readily to containers and they all... Water whenever it rains this quick and easy houseplants fortunately for us they ’ re very easy to grow your. Versions of the seeds how to grow giant bromeliads from seed bad plant, them as soon as possible beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden.... Is the most time-consuming method of propagating them time of year just like growing plants from warm moist.