Bromeliads are hardy in frost free areas and easily give the garden that instant subtropical and tropical feel. They will provide greenery and colour in those difficult dry shady areas in the garden where nothing else seems to grow.
Some varieties will be happy in full sun, others will prefer full shade, but all will give striking form, colour and structure in your chosen garden locations and pots. A bonus is they will also provide habitat for frogs. In the wild many varieties are epiphytic, growing high up in the forks of rainforest trees, collecting their water needs from rainfall and the air.
Varieties:
Guzmania, vriesea, aechmea, billbergia, ananas (pineapple), neoregelias, cryptanthus and tillandsia (air plants) are all groups of popular bromeliads.
Did you know? The pineapple fruit comes from a bromeliad.
Growing: They can be grown in most parts of Australia if they are given protection from frost and cold. Preferring warm, humid conditions.
In the garden, you can plant your bromeliads directly into the ground using a free-draining compost or bromeliad planting mix on top of the soil to ensure good drainage.
Bromeliads will also grow well in pots and can be used as indoor plants, balcony specimens or even as centrepiece pots within the garden. Use Rocky Point Orchid Mix for bromeliads and orchids. This will provide a coarse mix that provides excellent drainage.
Water: Bromeliads hold much of their water needs within the top central cup section of the plant. Ensure that this is always full.
Watering intermittently at the roots is also recommended. Note, overwatering is the biggest killer of bromeliads. Try using a Rocky Point Plant Water Meter for precision watering.
Fertiliser: Very little is required to keep your bromeliads looking good.