Rescuing A Blushing Bromeliad
March 05, 2008
There are a few indoor gardeners that sympathize so much with the neglected, dilapidated and
near-death plants at greenhouses, garden centers, supermarkets and wherever
else, that they often purchase and take them home, with the well-meaning
intention of restoring their health and providing them with a warm and caring
environment where they can flourish and live happily ever after. In simpler
terms, they feel compelled to save them.
It might sound awful but I don’t feel the same way as those more caring souls do.
Whenever I encounter plants on clearance racks that look like their days (if
not hours) are numbered, I do sympathize with them and I might even remark on
their sorry state, but I never feel obligated to save any of them. I don’t know
whether my lack of interest in adopting dilapidated plants makes me a
compassionless person or not, but that’s just the way it is. I do have my
reasons, though, for not doing plant rescues, and these are the top three:
- The plant is weak and may not survive in the long run despite added effort.
- An unhealthy plant is more likely to be plagued by pests or disease.
- I do not have enough free time to play nurse to a new addition that may or may not make it.
So I don’t do plant rescues, not really. This doesn’t mean that I’ve never taken
home a plant on its last legs, a plant that’s noticeably neglected or a plant
that’s been at the supermarket for such a long time that you wonder how in the
world it’s still hanging on. I have. But it’s not out of sympathy; it’s out of
self-interest. I only pick up destitute plants that are rarely ever available
for sale or plants that are on my wish list, so my plant rescues are purely for
selfish reasons. Yes folks, those are the only times I ever rescue a plant – to
fulfill my own needs not theirs. There I said it, and I don’t feel guilty. Well,
not really. Okay, maybe just a bit.
Anyhow, one plant that I (pseudo) rescued recently is a Bromeliad that I’d kept
bumping into at Wal-Mart week after week. The first time I caught sight of it, it took
every ounce of restraint not to take it home. It was stunning, and a specimen I’d never
seen before for sale locally, and it was fresh out of the ‘shipment’
box, which (kind of) promised a reasonably healthy specimen. But I
(reluctantly) left it behind because it was a little pricey. I told myself that
such a gorgeous plant would be gone in no time, either way, and I’d get over
it. But it never left. It was there the next week, and the week after that. And
two weeks after that. A whole month had come and gone and this absolutely
stunning Bromeliad was (amazingly) still there. A whole slew of other plants
came and went, and it was still there. Moreover, it still looked good despite
its waterlogged soil and lack of light.
I couldn’t resist this gorgeous Bromeliad (from one of my favourite plant
families) anymore. And besides, this specimen was definitely a survivor and
worthy of a few extra bucks. So I (less grudgingly) spent a little more than I
allow myself to spend for plants and took it home. Therefore I did, to some
extent, rescue a plant from an uncertain (but most probably dismal) future. I
won’t deny that I did it for selfish reasons (my own) rather than selfless ones
(for the plant’s sake). I did. But, oh well.
The plant in question is the Neoregelia Carolinae Tricolor, commonly-referred to as the
Blushing Bromeliad. And below is some basic care information.
The Blushing Bromeliad
Native to the tropical forests of South America, the Blushing Bromeliad is a member of the Neoregelia
group, a genus belonging to the Bromeliaceae family of plants. Like many of its relatives, the Blushing
Bromeliad is an epiphyte (an organism that grows on another plant for physical support but is not parasitic
to its host) and does not require soil. Epiphytes manufacture their own food the same way that
other green plants do (photosynthesis), but they derive moisture and nutrients from the air rather than from the soil.
Neoregelia Carolinae is among the hardiest tank type Bromeliads available commercially
(this applies to the entire Neoregelia genus). With its ease of cultivation and
its accommodating nature, it is able to endure extended periods of neglect: insufficient
light, watering blunders, low humidity. It’s no wonder the one I picked up
lasted so long at Wal-Mart, and retained its health despite poor growing
conditions. Although this lovely plant can survive for long periods in a less
than ideal environment, it’s a shame to neglect it. With proper care that involves
very little effort, the Neoregelia Carolinae Tricolor is one of the most
ornamental Bromeliads.
Despite being an epiphyte, the Blushing Bromeliad is sold in a container, which makes
‘practical’ sense. Growing this exotic specimen indoors as a potted plant is a
lot more convenient this way - and easily achievable. Bromeliads as a whole do
not have an extensive root system and the roots they do have are meant to
function primarily as an anchor system, therefore proper drainage is essential
to help prevent over-watering, which will inevitably lead to rot. Use a
fast-draining, highly-porous medium that will encourage sufficient air
circulation and prevent a waterlogged growing environment. Pick up a
prepackaged mix for Bromeliads or prepare your own. Mediums used for Orchids or
Succulents are also fine choices.
As a tank-style Bromeliad, Neoregelia Carolinae can be watered exclusively through
the funnel of leaves. You don’t need to concern yourself with the potting
medium if you keep the central rosette (cup) filled with fresh water. Flush the
tank periodically (every 1 – 2 months) to remove salt buildup and prevent
stagnation, and refill it with fresh water. Even though this Bromeliad is
equipped with a central rosette, it does not mean that you can’t water through
the soil (a style you might be more comfortable with), you can. Allow the
potting medium to dry out considerably and then water thoroughly until it runs
out of the bottom. Dump the excess water; never allow the pot to sit on a
saucer full of water for extended periods.
* Bromeliads can tolerate and survive periods of drought, therefore it’s preferable to
underwater these plants than to drown them with excess moisture. This plant
family is prone to root rot easily if the planting medium is kept too wet too
often, so be careful with that watering can.
Give your Neoregelia Carolinae Tricolor as much light as possible; choose a southern,
western or eastern location that offers bright, indirect light. Although the
plant should be protected against the strong rays of midday sun, some early morning or late
afternoon sunshine is very beneficial - and very much appreciated. Low light
areas are tolerated for awhile, but the plant should be grown in brighter light
to be at its best.
Average household room temperatures between 15°C (60°F) to 24°C (75°F) are satisfactory. Increase
humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray or by adding a humidifier
nearby. If your plant is actively growing, feed it about once a month with an
all-purpose liquid fertilizer that is diluted to half strength or less. Do not
fertilize during the winter months or if the plant is grown in low light. If
you are watering exclusively through the tank, fill a spray bottle with a very
weak fertilizer solution and mist the leaves lightly.
* For more information: The Maranta Quartet
I have to admit that I was quite surprised that a plant as lovely as the Neoregelia
Carolinae Tricolor had not been snatched up as quickly as I would have
expected. I would guess that the hefty price tag played a major role in its rejection.
Since a wide selection of eye-catching plants at large retailers such as
Wal-Mart or Home Depot are available at a more attractive price ($2.00 -
$10.00), a Bromeliad tagged close to $20.00 loses its appeal quickly, despite
its beauty. Lucky for this Neoregelia that I am weak when it comes to leaving
Bromeliads behind. Let’s face it, it was only a matter of time before I caved
in and brought it home.
Return to the Hydro Log main page
