Right, so I was asked yesterday by a friend why I don’t write about “friendlier” Bromeliads, such as Tillandsias, Billbergia & Neoregelias. This bothered me a bit because I love ALL Bromeliads! I just haven’t had the best luck with these other Broms. I’ve been experimenting with growing Tillandsias in the house in my master bathroom window and in my office window. The side of the house that these windows face is North (not the usual recommended South, East or West). I’ve mentioned before just how hot the Desert gets in the summer. We also have a VERY HIGH UV index most days, even in December and January. My Tilly’s seem to be thriving. A lot of light comes through these windows. Probably because the sunlight bounces off our side-yard cinder block wall and gets directed and diffused towards the house. Since they get a lot of light, I give them a good soaking in a kiddy-pool once a week (I put just a bit of Tillandsia food in the water–not much, just enough to soften the tap water a bit) and a light misting when I have the time. The City of Desert Hot Springs has one of the best rated tap water in the country—for taste and clarity. I guess my plants and I are lucky in that respect!
My T.Xerographica likes his Danish modern candle holder—good air flow!
I’ve since moved my Capitata Rubra outside to get the leaves to flush red.
This Rhodocephala was hanging in a slatted wood Orchid box till it got too long for it. Now he just hangs out in various positions in my office window.
Master-bathroom window “rainforest”
Hanging terrarium orbs for some of my Tilly’s (some have outgrown them already–guess I’ll have to get some smaller variety Tillandsias!)
Being a “Bromeliaholic”, I could easily have plants in every spot in my house! But, alas, I share my living space with my Partner, who already thinks I’ve gone overboard collecting. The back of our house faces West. There is just a pair of french doors that let light into the house on that side. Near that window I have an Ananas Comosus Variegata, an Aechmea Fasciata ‘Primera spineless’, and a Vriesea Splendens. They seem to like the late afternoon sun spilling through the doors.
There is only one window facing South–the window over the sink (My BF has already claimed this window “Flora Non-grata!”) This house is actually pretty well designed for keeping the interior of the house cool. Great for people comfort (and watching the Plasma TV during the day!) Not so great for Broms as a lot of light doesn’t come into the house. Thats OK, though! I actually prefer enjoying my plants outdoors. That is the main reason I don’t focus too much on the house-plants. My outdoor plants need very little attention. Most are drought tolerant and can go 2 or 3 weeks in the summer without water—the exceptions being the Neoregelias and Billbergias. Though VERY beautiful plants, I haven’t collected many because I get heartbroken when they fry or rot. I haven’t been able to find much info on the net about how to care for them in the Desert. So, I am “Beta-testing” a few varieties through the seasons before building a large collection of them.
Neoregelia Cruenta, Neoregelia “Hannibal Lector” and Billbergia Casablanca.
Other tank-type Broms I am also testing. Achmeas and Porteas tucked under palms and amongst other tropical plants to help keep them from burning too badly! Most aren’t looking so great because this was an extremely hot summer!! As we get further into Autumn I’ll post some pics of these guys.
Aechmea Blanchiata tucked beside a White Bird of Paradise for a bit of shade!
nixwickedgarden 