LET THE GROWING MEDIA dry down
about 1/2 of the depth of the grow pot
Aechmea Fasciata
AFTER BLOOMING,
AECHMEA bromeliad will do well
with bright, diffused lighting and even
some sun. Temperatures should be
between 50° and 85°F with some
humidity being provided. You can set
on a humidity tray, place in a naturally
humid room or group with other plants
to help increase humidity levels.
W a t e r i n g Ae c h m e a B r o m e l i a d
Plants
knocked over, you will have the water
between waterings. Then water well but spilled out on your floor or furniture. I
do not allow your bromeliads to stand in avoid doing this and prefer to water the
water. These plants have a minimal root potting mix only. You, of course, should
system so don't over water. In sun or make your own decision based on your
bright light, you can water into the vase
and allow to run over into the potting plant's light and location.
mix.
INTERIOR LANDSCAPERS USEthese
Other Notes on Care of unique plants to add color to an interior
Aechmea
design. Their secret to keeping them
looking great is that they are replaced
WATERING IN THE "VASE" of the plant
is okay in good, bright light situations. If
on a regular schedule.
your light is not very good you may find
ONCE MATURE AND IN BLOOM,
this harmful to the plant. Problems with
BROMELIADS WILL BEGIN TO FADE
gnats, mosquitos and rot can occur. In
AND DIE after a certain amount of time.
nature, rain falls into the center of the
This really depends on the care they
plant, remaining there until it
receive, the light and how far into their
evaporates. Insects and organic matter
bloom stage they were when they were
fall in and are trapped in the vase. As
acquired. So if you have one of these
they decompose, they feed the
plants, don't be upset if it starts to die
Aechmea through the foliage. This
after you have had it for awhile as this is
process will most likely not be occuring
natural. I have had some stay in good
in your home!
bloom for 6-9 months and some only
last 2-3 months.
ALSO, AECHMEAS IN BLOOM tend to
be very top heavy. If your plant gets

Billbergia
Billbergia can be planted in small pots
with well draining, slightly acidic soil.
Bromeliad Society/Houston suggests
using a mixture of vermiculite, perlite
and Canadian peat for growing
potted Billbergia. Alternatively, the
plants can be mounted on a substrate
such as driftwood.
Billbergia range in size from 8 inches
tall to 36 inches tall depending on the
species. Smaller species will grow well
in a small 4 inch pot. Larger species
will grow in a pot up to 6
inches. Billbergia are prolific
producers of pups or offshoots. These
pups can be repotted or allowed to
clump. If you choose to let the pups
clump, you should start with a slightly
larger container. Six inches should be
about enough.
Temperature
Billbergia will tolerate a wider range
of temperature than many other
bromeliads. This makes them an ideal
choice for outdoor landscapes in
climates that don’t regularly
experience hard frosts. Billbergiacan
withstand temperatures down to 26
degrees for short periods of time. The
plant will tolerate even colder
temperatures but may sustain some
damage. Temperatures that soar into
100 degrees or more may cause the
plant to loose color, but the plant will
usually recover in more moderate
temperatures. Bromeliad
Society/Houston inform that
bromeliads will grow the best and be
the most colorful when there is a 10-
15 degree temperature drop at night.
Billbergia also thrive when there is
plenty of air circulation around them.
Again, this makes them a good choice
for landscaping. Having fresh air helps
the plants avoid fungal infections and
pests.
Water and Humidity
-Billbergia
Billbergia do not require much water,
but they do like high humidity. The
potting medium should feel dry when
touched between each watering. You
can also add water to the central tank.
Use distilled water or rain water to
avoid mineral buildup on the leaves.
The tanks should also be regularly
flushed and rinsed to avoid stagnate
water. Stagnate water can result in
pests and disease.
If your plant is growing indoors and
there is not enough humidity, you can
place a tray of marbles with a bit of
water in it underneath the container
holding the plant. This should slightly
raise the relative humidity around
the Billbergia. Make sure the potting
medium is not allowed to soak up any
of the water.

Fertilizer
It is best not to fertilize Billbergia. Too
much fertilizer may cause the leaves
to turn green instead of having
colorful variegation. Fertilizer that is
strong in nitrogen will also encourage
the plant to grow without producing a
flower.
Shape and Form
Billbergia come in many shapes, sizes
and colors. Their leaves either stand
up to create a sort of tube shape or
spread outward to make a central cup
with their rosette. Billbergia often
also have fewer leaves than many
other genera of bromeliad.
Most Billbergia leaves also have
spikes around the margins. The foliage
comes in many different colors and
variegations.
Billbergia flowers are particularly
showy, though not as long lived as
many other genera of bromeliad. They
are usually found on a flower stalk
that emerges from the central tank.
The stalk or scape either stands
upright our droops in a pendant form.
The inflorescence and flowers come in
many different colors from reds and
pinks to purples and blues.

Cryptanthus acaulis
This article provides information on the
specific growing guidelines for
Cryptanthus acaulis and hybrid
bromeliads.
 Light: Bright light from an east or
west window.
 Temperature: Warm (60-80
degrees F/16-27 degrees C)
year-round.
 Fertilizer: In spring and summer,
spray laves monthly with a
houseplant fertilizer mixed at half
the normal strength. In the fall
and winter, feed every other
month.
 Water: In the spring and summer,  ‘Black Mystic‘, also known as
water as often as needed to keep ‘Black Magic‘, has leaves mottled
the roots lightly moist. In the fall with irregular zebra-like dark
and winter, water less often, but bands. A unique earth star, C.
do not allow the roots to dry out sinuosus ‘Cascade‘, produces
completely. pups on long stolons, reminiscent
 Soil: Regular potting soil of a spider plant.
amended with one-third part peat  Display Tips: Young plants
moss, or use orchid potting soil. make good additions to
 Repotting: Repot every 2 to 3 terrariums. Older plants grown in
years in the spring, handling the pots are ideal for low windowsills,
plant gently to avoid injuring its where they can easily be viewed
sparse, shallow roots. This plant from above.
does well in a broad container.
 Longevity: Up to 10 years or
indefinitely when propagated
from offsets.
 Propagation: Cut away pups and
repot them when they are half the
size of the parent plant. Keep
newly potted pups in a warm
place, enclosed in a loose plastic
bag for a month to increase
humidity.
 Selections: Some earth stars
feature all-green leaves, while
others have red, pink, and green
longitudinal stripes. ‘Areltey‘ is
quite pink, with gray-green stripes
down the center of each leaf.
Dyckia forsterana Propagation
Some Dyckias produce pups or offsets
Similar to Succulents which is common among bromeliads.
Dyckias are often confused with Other species don’t produce pups, but
succulents because they look and play divide at the head. When planted in the
the part. They have stiff leathery leaves ground, Dyckias can make thick ground
and are very drought tolerant, but unlike cover. When grown in a pot, Dyckias will
true succulents they cannot store their eventually need to be separated and
own water internally. They simply replanted. Remove pups when they are
respond to periods of stress, such as dry at least half the size of the mother plant.
weather conditions, by going dormant. Dyckia pups grow new roots very slowly.
Form You can use a rooting hormone to
Dyckia hybrid encourage growth. Use a small pot until
Dyckias typically have long narrow
leaves. Almost all Dyckias have sharp the roots are established and then repot
Unlike most other bromeliads, Dyckias in a larger container. You can employ a
spines or hooks around the margins of
can flower seasonally. Bromeliads are small saw to separate plants that have
each leaf. Dyckias can be found in
typically known for producing only one divided at the head. This is very difficult
shades of red, green, yellow and silver.
flower and then dying. Before they die to accomplish without damaging one or
Many of the plants appear to have a
they produce pups. Dyckias will continue both of the plants. Take care and time to
beautiful silver flocking on the spines and
to grow after they flower and even have separate the plants with as many of the
edges of the leaf. The leaves form a tight
the ability to flower again. A Dyckia roots intact as possible.
rosette that often curves down around
planted from seed can take up to three Even if you don’t want to separate your
itself, and they can drape beautifully over
years to reach maturity and bloom. Since plants it is wise to repot them after two or
the sides of containers. They range in
Dyckias can continue living as long as three years. By this time the nutrients in
size from just a few inches across to
they are well cared for, it is important to the potting mix will be depleted. Carefully
several feet wide. Many of the plants
pay close attention to their container and remove the plant. Then dump out any
within the genus have tall flower spikes
potting medium. remaining potting mix. Clean the
that tower above the foliage. The flower
Potting container well and rinse it well. Then
spikes often produce only very small
The majority of bromeliads have very place a new, well draining potting mix in
flowers in oranges, reds and yellows.
small root systems in which a small pot the container and situate the plant back
can house a full grown plant. In most in the container. The Bromeliad
cases, the bromeliad roots act only as Society/Houston recommends using a
anchors and not a primary source of potting mix heavy in organic matter and
nutrients. Dyckias, on the other hand, includes water retaining polymers. Small
have extensive root systems and require rocks and pebbles make an excellent top
containers that are at least as large as dressing. Always use gloves and wear
the plant itself. Dyckias will usually grow long sleeve shirts when handling sharp
into the size of the pot where it is planted. Dyckias.
Water
Dyckias can survive drought conditions
but do not thrive in them. During the
growing season – spring and summer –
they require plenty of water. When they
become too dry they will first stop
growing and then wilt. They recover
quickly once watered. Use fertilizer to
encourage growth during the spring and
summer. Stop fertilizing and allow the
plant to dry more between waterings
during the winter.
Sunlight
-Dyckias Need Plenty of Sun
Dyckias enjoy full sun. They can also
tolerate lower light levels, but it may
change the color of the leaves. The
Bromeliad Society/Houston suggests
5000 foot-candles for best results when
growing a Dyckia.
Varieties
There are many popular varieties of
Dyckias for beginner growers, as well as
rare species that will entice bromeliad
enthusiasts. Prices range from $10
dollars to $155 for the most rare species.
Dyckia ‘Arizona’ is a popular cultivar that
has narrow burgundy leaves with white
spines. The rosette forms a beautiful star
shape. The cultivar is particularly
adapted to arid climates.
Dyckia ‘Naked Lady’ is a cultivar that is
spineless. It has light green to yellow
leaves. This plant can grow over 12
inches tall.
Dyckia fosteriana has beautiful silvery
white leaves with many spines. It forms a
tight rosette with leaves that drape expression of the vast family of
downward. The plant can grow up to 8 bromeliads.
inches wide.
Dyckia ‘Cherry Coke’ has glossy leaves.
Its name is suitable because the leaves
are the color of Cherry Coke. The plant
can grow very large with leaves up to 2
feet in length and displays a 4 foot upright
flower stalk. The plant also pups well.
Dyckia delicata comes in various forms.
Leaf colors include green, red and silver
depending on the form of the plant. All
forms appear to be beautifully flocked
with silver. Native to higher altitudes in
southern Brazil, these plants are well
suited to cooler winter weather. It is a
beautifully shaped plant with a tight rosette
draping downward.
 Dyckia brevifolia has short, wide
green leaves with very small spines
around the margins. While drought
tolerant, these plants can also survive
chilly and wet weather. They grow
about 8 inches wide and have a
beautiful small yellow flower which
grows on a flower stalk.
All Shapes and Sizes
Dyckias come in all shapes and sizes.
They share in common their love for sun
and tolerance for drought. They do not
require the moist, humid conditions that
so many other bromeliads do. They are
long-living and beautiful in form and
color. These plants are an excellent
addition to a mild climate landscape or a
bromeliad enthusiast’s rare collection.
Dyckias are another enjoyable
Guzmania orangeade
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees,
butterflies and/or birds
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water
regularly; do not overwater
Where to Grow:
Suitable for growing in containers
This plant is suitable for growing
indoors
Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm) 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Spacing: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm) Patent Information:
15-18 in. (38-45 cm) Propagation Methods:
Hardiness: By dividing rhizomes, tubers,
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) corms or bulbs (including offsets)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) Seed Collecting:
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 N/A: plant does not set seed,
°F) flowers are sterile, or plants will
Sun Exposure: not come true from seed
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade
Danger:
Bloom Color:
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Smooth-Textured
Provides winter interest
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
Neoreglia spectabilis
 Light: Bright light with a half
day of direct sun year-round.
Responds well to being
grown in a sunny yet humid
place outdoors in the
summer.
 Temperature: Average to
warm room temperatures
(65-80 degrees F 18-27
degrees C), with no chilling
below 50 degrees F (10
degrees C).
 Fertilizer: Feed monthly with most of which have cream
a high-phosphorous (low- stripes in their leaves.
nitrogen) fertilizer mixed at ‘Martin’ is quite vigorous, as
half the normal strength. is the slightly small
Feed the leaves, roots, and ‘Compacta.’
reservoir.  Display Tips: Because of its
 Water: Keep roots lightly large, spreading shape, this
moist, and replenish water in bromeliad needs plenty of
reservoir every 10 days, or space. It is at its best when
more often in summer. This viewed from above.
bromeliad grows best in high
humidity, above 50 percent.
 Soil: Potting soil amended
with one-third part peat
moss, or African violet soil.
 Repotting: Repot annually
in spring until plant fills a 5 in
(12.5 cm) pot.
 Longevity: Individual plants
live 3 to 4 years.
 Propagation: Wait until the
parent plant dies to pot up
offsets, which often have
very skimpy roots. Keeping
newly potted offsets in a
warm, humid enclosure,
such as a roomy plastic bag,
speeds the rooting process.
 Selections: There are
numerous named varieties,
Nidularium and reward growers with good
formations and regular flowering.

As these plants naturally grow in filtered

light they are excellent for use indoors.
They add a tropical look to shaded
outdoor areas as well. They are an
excellent plant to grow beneath
established trees as they do like the
shade provided.
Nidulariums are medium-sized plants
with inflorescences forming low in the
center of the rosettes. At flowering time o Free draining potting mix.
the collaret of shortened inner leaves o Keep the centres filled with water.
turns brilliant red, rose or cerise, o Do not use high nitrogen fertiliser.
depending on the species. The flowers o Very little fertilizer is required.
are red, white or blue and the leaves are
usually glossy and finely spined.

In some varieties the inflorescence rises

above the plant and creates a striking
picture. Nidularium seidelii is such a
plant, the inflorescence rising
approximately 30 cm above the
flattened foliage, with bracts forming
large yellow-green boat like shapes atop
each other. The inflorescence can last
several months. Nidulariums are hardy
Tillandsia
This article provides information on the
specific growing guidelines for Tillandsia
species and hybrid bromeliads.
 Light: Bright light from an east or
west window, with some direct sun
in the winter but not in the summer.
 Temperature: In the spring,
summer, and early fall, these plants
love the warm (to 80 degrees F or 27
degrees C). In the winter, a cool rest
in the 60 degrees F (16 degrees C)
range.
 Fertilizer: In the spring and summer,
feed plants every 2 weeks by
spraying them with a high-
phosphorous fertilizer, mixed at half
the normal strength. Plants take up
the nutrients with their leaf scales. In
the fall and winter, no feeding is
needed.
 Water: Spray plants with water
twice weekly, until they are
thoroughly wet. The applied water
should dry within 4 hours. Do not
soak the base of the plants.
 Soil: None needed for most
selections. A bit of sphagnum moss
can be used to create a nest for air
plants. Grow pink quill in orchid
soil.
 Repotting: Reposition as needed to
accommodate new growth; usually
only every 2 to 3 years.
 Longevity: Individual plants live 5
or more years.
 Propagation: Detach Offsets when
they are one-third the size of the
parent plant. Small holes drilled in
an old piece of untreated wood make
a good temporary home for theses
babies.
 Selections: Pink quill can be grown
as an individual specimen in a pot.
Most other air plants are sold by
common name, or may be labeled as
T. ionantha. Spanish moss is
T.usneoides.
 Display Tips: Use a rasp to create
crevices or depressions in a nicely
figured knot of wood and install
three air plants to create a tree
garden.
Vriesea carinata vriesea carinata – lobster claw
vriesea carinata is commonly known
as lobster claw or painted feather. this
bromeliad has branching flower spikes.
there are a lot of varieties available, in a
range of colours from yellow to orange,
red, violett or pink.
CARE
the lobster claw (vriesea carinata) is
suitable for bright to light shaded places
with some morning and/or evening sun.
there are special mixes for bromeliads
available. but it can also be grown in a
mix of regular potting soil and orchid
bark (1:1) or in pure orchid soil.
keep it constantly moist but not wet, the
drying of the soil’s surface will be
tolerated, but it shouldn’t d dry
completely. sitting in water can cause
rotten roots. its reservoir should always
contain some water.
in spring and summer a half diluted
water soluble fertilizer can be given
monthly and every six to eight weeks in
fall and winter.
vriesea carinata welcomes a high
humidity and likes to be sprayed over
with water regularly. it needs room
temperature throughout the year with a
winter minimum of 15 °c/59 °f.
PROPAGATION
after flowering the lobster claw produces
a new pup. if it has reached approx. 2/3
of the mother plants height it can be
cutted of.