Longer Lasting Bromeliad Flowers
How many times have we heard that cut flowers should be purchased with buds that have not yet opened?
Why? So you can enjoy them longer!!!
This same thought should go into purchasing your bromeliads.
Some Growing Background
Many bromeliads take anywhere from months to years from seeds or tissue culture before they are ready to sell. Most of the time the plant your are purchasing is not full grown but about size.
If allowed to reach the full size it wouldn’t be unusual to find plants that are 28-36 inches across (a little large for the coffee table).
Growers “treat” their plants to flower. Each week plants that have reached a salable size are “gassed”. There are various gases used such as ethylene. This gas treatment forces the plant into flower. This is also why fruit is shipped unripened because of the ethylene that it gives off forcing it to ripen quicker.
Approximately 6 to 14 weeks after treating the plants they are ready to ship. Growers offer their plants in different stages depending on the type of plant.
Stages like:
- Breaking water
- Bud in cup
- Flower above cup
- Medium Color
- Full color
The secret to having your bromeliads last longer is no different than with cut flowers.
What to look for
- Plants that have recently arrived
- Flower spikes that are just coming out of the cup OR
- A medium blush rather than full color
- Clean unblemished foliage
- Plants that aren’t dried out (soil or cup)
The two largest shipping days in south Florida nurseries are Monday and Thursday. Ask your local nursery when they receive new shipments from Florida. Plan your visit and purchase when the plants arrive.
It may seem hard to believe, but following these few simple steps could increase the longevity and enjoyment of your bromeliad by an additional 2 to 4 weeks and give you more bang for the buck!!!
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