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The Popular Bromeliads in the Crisp Autumn

The Popular Bromeliads in the Crisp Autumn

Taiwan Seed Improvement and Propagation station (TSIPS), COA state, in the Indian summer following the summer season, there is an inedible bromeliad plants changing its appearance to bright color gradually. The leaves of the bromeliads with variegated colour have the high ornamental value. Bromeliads not only have various colors and shape in leaves but also can blossom and bear fruits. In Taiwan, the annual production of the bromeliads is up to 500 thousand plants. They are the regularly used in the indoor decoration or outdoor landscape display in large events. In addition, they are also “the major character” to create a soothing atmosphere in home. The bromeliads have become the good remedies for people to nourish the emotional peace and to release the physical and mental stresses in their leisure time.

Most Bromeliad plants are native to the tropical and subtropical forest regions, have rosette leaves with water-holding structures were classified into the subfamily Bromelioideae. Their leaves have various stripes and colors, hence it well known that they are the colorful ones in the forest. There are many species of the bromeliads cultivated and conserved in TSIPS currently, including the genus Neoregelia and Vriesea utilized as foliage plants, the genus Guzmania and Tillandsia for the attractive flowers, and the genus Aechmea bearing fruits with ornamental values (Fig. 1).

 TSIPS mentioned, the bromeliads are drought tolerance, few pests and diseases, and easy to cultivate. Therefore, they are good indoor/outdoor ornamental plants extremely suitable for the beginners (Fig. 2). The bromeliads are suggested cultivated in the normal culture media with good permeability, drainage, and aeration, such as fern chips, coconut fibers, and foam stones. The environmental conditions with high humidity, good aeration, and full sun or partial shading are preferred by the bromeliads. Furthermore, the colors and stripes of their leaves will change with the density of sunlight. Regarding the water demands of the bromeliads, it is suggested to keep the humidity of culture media and fulfill the water-holding leaves structures.

Because of the recent plague of Covid-19, people stay at home with more time. The bromeliads are available with low prices in the flower markets or online stores. During the epidemic prevention period, TSIPS recommend people may try to cultivate such bright and colorful plants, and let themselves immerse in the joy and soothing atmosphere of the growing process.

Fig 1. The bromeliads germplasm conserved in nursery of TSIPS.
Fig 1. The bromeliads germplasm conserved in nursery of TSIPS.
Fig 2. The bromeliads used in the outdoor landscape display.
Fig 2. The bromeliads used in the outdoor landscape display.