The Daily Dig

I've collected many plants over the years, but only three Bromeliads have made it into my garden. I think they're an amazing plant. Beautiful patterned leaves, strange colorful scented flowers, and endless planting possibilities. I can't think of a good reason why I haven't put more of them into my garden. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to take care of. Plus they send up multiple pups or side shoots to start many new plants.

Bromeliaceae is a family of monocot flowering plants that have over 3,000 species that are native to the tropical Americas, the American subtropics, and tropical west Africa. The Bromeliad family includes epiphytes (plants that grow on another plant or object) and terrestrial (plants that grow on land) making them a very versatile plant to have in the garden. Terrestrials gather water and nutrients from their rosette cups and the ground while the epiphytes get theirs from rain, mist, and plant matter.

I think Bromeliads are a welcomed addition to any garden. You can display them on tree trunks, branches, pots, and vertical gardens. I am definitely going to add more Bromeliads to my very small collection.

Blooming tip: If your plant hasn't bloomed, try placing it in a tightly closed clear plastic bag with a ripe apple for ten days. The apple releases ethylene gas, which induces the Bromeliad to flower. Remember to drain the water out of the plants cup before you put it in the bag. Hopefully in the next few months you will see a new bloom. I had a plant that was to big for a bag so I put an apple slice in each cup for a week and it magically bloomed six weeks later.

Photos taken at Brad Austin's private garden in Los Angeles, CA