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Posted By: Triss Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 21st, 2007 at 12:14 AM
I have had my Brom since September or so. The bloom is finally faded away and I know I need to do something with it, but what? I also have 3 babies which I am thrilled about.

Here is the flower...
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And the babies...
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And the questions...

1. How do I remove the flower?
2. Are there seeds to be saved?
3. And if there are seeds, can I just plant them?
4. Do I also remove all of the leaves surrounding the mom plant or will it continue to grow and bloom again?
5. What do I do with the babies?
6. Does each one need their own pot?
7. About how long before the baby will bloom?

This is my first time with this plant and it has done so well that I do not want to kill it now.

Thanks!
Posted By: Anonymous Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 21st, 2007 at 01:11 AM
wow! that's a nice brom!!!

sorry, i can't answer any of your questions, tho.
Posted By: Triss Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 21st, 2007 at 02:00 AM
Aw darn, I saw you answered this and was so excited to be able to get some answers. I am so happy with this plant. It lent awesome color for so long to its spot in the bathroom. I am looking forward to getting more of them as well.
Posted By: Dixie Angel Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 21st, 2007 at 02:25 AM
Triss, the pups should remain with the mother plant until they reach 1/2 to 3/4 the size of the original. Then you can pot them up...

You can cut the flower off the mother plant now and still have foliage. I don't think it will bloom again...
Posted By: Triss Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 21st, 2007 at 02:58 AM
Thanks Dianna, I was just doing some reading on them today and when I do repot them all, I need to use a different soil mix. I used regular garden soil and apparently they like more of an orchid mix. I am surprised mine have done so well in plain ole dirt.
Posted By: angelblossom Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 29th, 2007 at 11:57 PM
Aaron D can answer this I hope he see this Triss!!
Posted By: Aaron D Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 12:15 AM
1. Yes, you can remove the flower for aesthetic reasons, I like to keep it 
2. No seed to gather, the flowers are only pollinated my moths… AND the flowers only open in high humidity
3. N/A
4. Keep the leaves for the “mother” will continue to create energy and give it to the baby it will grow faster and be healthier, no the mother will no longer grow and will gradually decline to death but this is a very ssslllooowww process.
5. You can keep them there with the mother until they develop their own roots and grow to about half the size/ mass as the mother.
6. No they have a very small root systems and do just fine pot bound
7. about 1year + , its hard to estimate because care, light , fertilizer, humidity… play crucial roles
Posted By: Aaron D Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 12:19 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Triss:
Thanks Dianna, I was just doing some reading on them today and when I do repot them all, I need to use a different soil mix. I used regular garden soil and apparently they like more of an orchid mix. I am surprised mine have done so well in plain ole dirt.
an orchid mix mostly consisting of moss and organic fibers is best… nothing to loose like (orchid bark) what you use for Catteyalas ( spelling). This will not hold sufficient moisture near the roots.
Posted By: Triss Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 12:46 AM
Thank you so much for all of those answers Aaron and for leading him this way Diane!!!

I did cut off the flower cuz it was getting really gross looking. The plant is doing great still and the babies are getting bigger. I'd say they are about 3 months old. I have been removing leaves off the momma as they die, only a couple have. So far it all seems to be looking good.

I have this plant in my bathroom so it is a very high humidity environment so I am looking forward to flowers again in about 9+ months I would guess. I can wait, they are sure worth it!
Posted By: angelblossom Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 12:49 AM
Aaron will coconut fiber be good for it?? (Bromalaids) I use it in my pitcher plants as well a long fiber spagnum to help hold moisture but not wet. Can the same be used for Bromalaids mixed with orchid mix??
Posted By: angelblossom Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 12:50 AM
Your welcome Triss!! glad I could catch him here!! And Great to see him on!! thumbup grinnnn
Posted By: Triss Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 02:03 AM
That is a good idea Diane. You gave me the recipe for the mix in all my stuff, didn't you?
Posted By: angelblossom Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 02:48 AM
Yep I think I sent you a ziplock bag of it already mixed!! for repotting should the time come as well as printed "reciepe' thumbup
Posted By: Triss Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 03:09 AM
I have that under my sink. Will look up the recipe and start gathering things for when I do need it for the Brom.
Posted By: angelblossom Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 04:12 AM
cool thumbup thumbup Do they sell coconut fiber in your area??
Posted By: Triss Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 30th, 2007 at 08:52 PM
I have no idea, have never looked for it. If not I can get it online I am sure.
Posted By: Aaron D Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 31st, 2007 at 03:02 AM
Quote
Originally posted by angelblossom:
Aaron will coconut fiber be good for it?? (Bromalaids) I use it in my pitcher plants as well a long fiber spagnum to help hold moisture but not wet. Can the same be used for Bromalaids mixed with orchid mix??
yea that will be good but i think our mix may be some fern tree fiber with peat moss...
Posted By: Triss Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 31st, 2007 at 03:09 AM
I will keep an eye out for all of the above. Once I do find the right soil, can I just dig out the normal potting soil and fill in with the good stuff?
Posted By: Aaron D Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 31st, 2007 at 03:36 AM
yea be carefull of the fine roots
Posted By: Triss Re: Bromeliad Questions... Pics - January 31st, 2007 at 04:12 AM
Ok will do! Thanks!!
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