As the spring rush starts up, lots of house plants will be making their way to garden centers, and the local grocery store. I’ve written about the damage ethylene gas can cause plants in transit.


As fruit ripens it can give off ethylene. Don’t let the look of the pictures scare you to think ethylene is bad for all plants. Growers in fact use to “force” house plants such as Bromeliads into flower. In fact, you could do a little science experiment if you wanted. Find out how to “force” Bromeliads to flower with ethylene here.