Pineapple Bromeliaceae, commonly known as bromeliads, are plants with a unique survival strategy and biology. Their numerous species are known as potted ornamental plants with leaves and flowers forming original inflorescences. It is a large endemic family from South and Central America, which is characterized by an economical water management, mostly epiphytic species. Under natural conditions, bromeliads reproduce from seeds or vegetatively. Those propagated from seeds bloom after 4-5 years. In almost all pineapples, the formation of the inflorescence means the end of the growth and life of the shoot (the role of the shoot is taken over by the side shoots that appear during or immediately after flowering).Traditional methods of bromeliad multiplication depend on the relatively late maturity (i.e. flowering) of these plants, therefore they are reproduced on a production scale only in in vitro cultures.
Among the numerous types of bromeliads, many impress with their original spiky inflorescences. They are decorated not only with flowers (pollinated in nature by hummingbirds), but also with contrasting colored pods. One of the most magnificent inflorescences among the bromeliads grown in apartments is found in the genus Aechmea. High paniculate inflorescences have interspecies hybrids - in 'Del Mar' and 'Blue Rain' they are exceptionally decorative, red-white-blue, extremely durable (they last 5-7 months). Interesting inflorescences are also characterized by varieties derived from A. fasciata. Their flowers are blue, hidden deep among pink, white or red deposits. These hybrids are also decorated with stiff gray-green and brindle leaves.
The largest group of varieties with decorative inflorescences belongs to the genus Guzmania. As a rule, they have raised inflorescence shoots up to 50 cm, with pituitary glands in many colors: green, yellow, orange, red and pink (they are often two-colored). The original shape is an advantage of Guzmania conifera inflorescences, which resemble red and yellow cones. Equally attractive red bracts with contrasting white tips also have 'El Cope' and 'Paulina' - varieties of G. lingulata.
Tillandsia is the most numerous genus among pineapple plants. In cultivation, we can find mainly varieties with flattened purple-pink inflorescences and large purple flowers, which are found in T. cyanea (in T. wagneriana the inflorescences are larger and branched). The slender and most often branched spikes are also created by varieties of the genus Vriesea (mostly red and gold, less often green). Some species have pure green leaves, while in others the background for the inflorescences is leaves decorated with dark transverse stripes.
Species with ornamental leavesAmong bromeliads, many new varieties with showy leaves have appeared recently, most of them from the genus Vriesea and Neoregelia. Rosettes of stiff arched leaves delight with the richness of patterns and colors. They often reach impressive sizes. Such magnificent plants are best displayed alone (as solitary plants). Their beautiful orderly arrangement of leaves fits beautifully in modern interiors. Neoregelia rosettes create a distinct funnel of even leaves with delightful colors and patterns. Some are speckled, others have stripes along the leaves, and some are smooth, but with gradually changing colors. An additional color accent is associated with flowering. This original type of bromeliad has almost invisible inflorescences hidden deep in a funnel formed by leaves. Their hiding place, however, is indicated by the intensely colored center of the rosette. This discoloration appears only during flowering and lasts several weeks after the plant has flowered.Interestingly, in some varieties only the part of the leaf that is located closer to the base may be stained, while the tip part remains green. In other varieties only the youngest leaves are stained. The large Vriesea rosettes can grow up to almost 1 m in diameter. Like neoregelia, they change colors, but their patterns, usually irregular stripes and stripes, are most often arranged across the leaf. An interesting genus from the pineapple family is also Cryptanthus, which has small flat rosettes clinging to the ground. These multicolored plants with interesting patterns on the leaves are perfect groundcovers.
Among plants with decorative leaves, it is worth mentioning the well-known edible pineapple Ananas comosus. The tall rosettes, which may begin with a leaf plume cut from the fruit, are composed of long and narrow, clearly toothed leaves. The most beautiful are plants of the Variegatus variety with white and pink colored leaves.
Growing most bromeliads is not difficult.The condition for its success is to provide the plants with a sufficiently high temperature and air humidity. As a rule, it should not be colder than 15-16 ° C. Most species and varieties of the genus Vriesea, Guzmania, Neoregelia and Cryptanthus prefer a constant temperature of 18-22 ° C, which is easy to keep in our heated apartments. Others (such as Aechmea and Tillandsia) should grow in summer at 22-29 ° C, while in winter they dormant at 17-19 ° C.
Bromeliads are species that absorb water mainly through the leaves , therefore they need a lot of moisture in the air. The bearded braid is especially sensitive to its lack. The soil moisture is less important - it is better to water the plants moderately, and to sprinkle them frequently and heavily. Many taxa, such as Guzmania and Vriesea, can grow well in a shortage of light, while those with discolored leaves are better grown in well-lit (but not sunny) places. This is when anthocyanins become visible, i.e. pigments that protect the leaves from excess light.
Plants that do not tolerate growing in pots (most often tillandsii) are a specific group. They are attached, for example, to tree limbs wrapped in sphagnum moss. One can grow many plants of different species, which will give us a substitute for the rainforest. Such plants will feel best in a home glasshouse or so-called. flower window.
