Extension Communications Extension 4-H Youth Building Ames, Iowa 50011-3630 (515) 294-9915

11/25/04

Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033, delmarks@iastate.edu

Reiman's Pick for the week of Nov. 22, 2004

Bromeliads Are Low Maintenance Houseplants

By Linda Naeve
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University

Due to low humidity levels and poor lighting, most homes and offices are not the best environments for many tropical houseplants. Bromeliads, however, make excellent houseplants because they tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Their contemporary plant form, colorful foliage, and bright flower spike also make them popular choices for indoor plants.

The bromeliad family consists of more than 2,700 species. Members of this diverse plant family can be found growing in a wide variety of habitats from hot, dry deserts to the treetops in wet rainforests to cool mountain regions.

Most bromeliads will grow well in moderate to bright indoor light although higher light levels are necessary for flowering. The flower stalk containing bright-colored leaf-like bracts grows from the center when the plant is mature. Bromeliads typically flower only once in their lifetime, but fortunately, the flower stalks are attractive for several months.

Terrestrial bromeliad species can be grown in a loose well-drained potting soil and watered when the soil begins to turn dry. However, some species are epiphytes, which means they grow on taller plants but do not draw nourishment from them. Their roots are used primarily to support the plant and hold it in place. These plants can be mounted on pieces of wood, or grown in pots containing bark mulch. Filling the center cup that is formed by the rosette of outer leaves easily waters epiphytic bromeliads.

Several beautiful bromeliad species can be seen year-round in the tropical conservatory at Reiman Gardens. Bring home your own bromeliad by attending the upcoming "Plant Particulars" class that will be all about bromeliads at the Gardens on Jan. 20.

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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 373K. Caption: Most bromeliads will grow well in moderate to bright indoor light although higher light levels are necessary for flowering.

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