How to grow potted bromeliads well? Master the techniques for growing southern plants in the north

Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) originate from the tropical rainforests of South America and are herbaceous epiphytic tropical plants that are heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant and relatively cold-tolerant. Although the bromeliad family is vast and can be classified by morphological characteristics into more than 50 genera, only some are commercial varieties that are also highly favored by consumers. Below, the Tumu.com editor will introduce to you how potted bromeliads should be grown~

1. Light

Most cultivated bromeliads require a light intensity within 2000 lx, while some need 2500 lx, such as those of the genus Tillandsia. However, in actual production and cultivation, in order to achieve the ideal leaf color and plant shape, the light intensity is usually controlled at 1200-20000 lx, especially in the suburbs or mountainous areas of Guangdong, China, where ultraviolet rays are strong; at noon and in midsummer, movable double-layer shade nets should be used.

2. Temperature

The most suitable growing temperature for bromeliads is 20-30°C, and the day-night temperature difference is best kept above 6°C. However, most varieties of bromeliads can overwinter safely above 5°C, and a few varieties can tolerate a brief 1-2°C; while in summer, some varieties can continue to grow even at a high temperature of 35°C. But in the stuffy, hot summer, attention should be paid to ventilation at the cultivation site, otherwise growth will be affected.

3. Humidity

The optimal growing humidity for bromeliads is between 55% and 75%. If the humidity is below 40%, it easily causes the leaf tips to dry up and the leaves to curl; at this time, spraying at the cultivation site should be increased to raise the humidity. In summer, with high temperature and high humidity, ventilation should be strengthened; in winter, at low temperatures, water spraying should be reduced.

4. Growing medium

A suitable growing medium should be chosen according to each growth stage of the bromeliad. Usually, a finer medium is chosen at the seedling stage, while a coarser medium is chosen when large seedlings are planted out. In short, a medium with a stable structure and good water retention and drainage performance should be chosen, and the pH value and EC value of the medium used should be fully understood. In actual production, imported peat moss medium performs relatively ideally.

5. Water quality

Bromeliads also have relatively strict requirements for water quality. In production, it is recommended to use more rainwater (as long as the area is not a seriously polluted region) and deionized water, because the pH value and EC value of rainwater and deionized water can basically meet the needs of bromeliads. Some enterprises use tap water, but tap water contains a certain amount of salt and chlorine, and its EC value is unstable, being higher especially in winter, which has a relatively large impact on the growth of bromeliads; it should be treated with caution, or used as appropriate after treatment and monitoring adjustment.

6. Fertilization

The fertilizer supply for bromeliads is generally achieved through formulated liquid fertilizer. At present, most production enterprises use special bromeliad fertilizer, and most of it is imported fertilizer, which has a good effect on some varieties. In actual production, it is recommended to choose more than 3 formulated fertilizers; generally, granular fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer is not recommended, because they make it harder to control the supply of nutrients. Note that the fertilizer provided should not contain boron; at the same time, excessive phosphorus will cause the plant top to burn, and excessive zinc and copper will cause plant death; but all bromeliad varieties need magnesium fertilizer, and a deficiency will cause old leaves to turn yellow. The recommended dosage is 3%-8%.

Alright, the above is how the Tumu.com editor has brought you the cultivation of potted bromeliads. I hope you like it. Then see you next time