Years ago I visited my Aunt who loved both regular and exotic house plants such as Bromeliads. Her two bedroom brick rowhouse was in a major city.
She loved plants of every kind and had a very tiny outdoor “patio” perhaps only 8 x 8 feet in area. However, she loved sitting on her patio after her working day was done at Nabisco. There was room for one folding chair and, of course, lots of plants in crocks.
The back wall of her garden was cement bricks with a few vines growing over it.
I remember the screen door didn’t shut right, so she tied the door knob with a string and pulled it indoors to get it closed.
One time she brought me a huge white flowering camellia plant as a gift. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to keep this houseplant alive for long.
Lovely Bromeliad Plant
However, on one of my visits to see her, I noted she had one large unusual plant which I later learned was a bromeliad.
She remarked that she had to keep the center filled with water.
More Information
Bromeliads are both beautiful and exotic plants, and I thought I would post a blog about them.
In the above photograph the bromeliads with the large spiky looking leaves are on the table under the tree.
Depending on the type of bromeliads, they require varying amounts of sunlight to do well and produce flowers. They prefer warm temperatures in your house but need moisture so growing them in a tray of moist gravel is a good option.
The plant forms a funnel-looking rosette which needs to be filled with water. Change the water frequently so it is fresh. Bromeliad blooms are brilliant colors. The roots are primarily used to anchor the plant to rocks, trees and even to the ground.
According to my online research, bromeliads are related to pineapples and Spanish moss.
Ending Notes on Bromeliads Blog
The bromeliad plants got my attention while looking in the greenhouse at the Garden Center.
I love their bright red and orange colors as they seem to say “look at me!”
My outdoor plants and garden keep me busy for the time being.
My African Violets, camellias, and orchids didn’t do well in my house under my care. But I’m trying to do better and one day may try another exotic plant.
A Special Thank You to Daniel of Merrifield Garden Center for allowing me to take photographs and to blog about their store.
Resource Sites: Bromeliad brochure from Merrifield Garden Center, hgic.clemson.ed./fact sheet/bromeliads and Wikipedia.