Christiane Bromeliad

The Christiane Bromeliad (Vriesea spp.) is a tank Bromeliad boasting a long-lasting central inflorescence of tightly layered scarlet bracts atop a rosette of broad, arching green leaves. Bromeliads are interesting plants to care for, acquiring water from the “tanks” in between their leaves rather than through their roots. Though they bloom once in their lifetime, Bromeliads produce “pups” from their base, allowing their beauty to live on through the additional plants it produces. rBest Locations For Growing Christiane BromeliadrThe Christiane Bromeliad thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, especially medium to bright indirect light. Place this Bromeliad in a bathroom, kitchen, or living room to add a tropical touch to the space. As an epiphyte, these peculiar plants can exist outside of soil, creatively mounted onto driftwood or hanging in a moss-wrapped kokedama ball. Bromeliads are non-toxic, making them a great addition to a home with children and pets. rChristiane Bromeliad Sunlight RequirementsrBromeliads are native to the tropics, growing on the forest floor or attached to the sides of trees where they receive dappled sunlight and plenty of humidity. Place this Bromeliad in front of a north- or east-facing window, or farther away from a south- or west-facing window, avoiding direct afternoon sun. The more light a Bromeliad receives, the higher its need for humidity and the more rich its color.rChristiane Bromeliad CarerDo not let the fact that Bromeliads only bloom once deter you from the Christiane Bromeliad. After its months-long colorful display, continue to water and provide the mother plant with ample indirect light to encourage the production of “pups”. These baby Bromeliads will emerge from the base of the mother plant, eventually producing their own roots with the ability to grow on their own, blooming after 1-3 years. Once the pups are about ½ the size of the mother, they can be repotted into an airy potting medium made for Bromeliads or consisting of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. Bromeliads like a bit of extra humidity, so mist the leaves regularly, provide a pebble tray, or place near a humidifier. rWatering Christiane Bromeliad rTank Bromeliads are epiphytic, meaning their roots are used more to anchor the plant in place than for absorbing water. For this reason, Christiane Bromeliad receives most of its water through the space in between its broad, flat leaves, called “tanks”. To water, fill the tanks with water, replacing the water every couple of weeks to empty out any debris that may collect there. Ideally, use rainwater or distilled water, or leave tap water out for at least 24 hours to reduce the amount of salts in the water. Keep the potting medium that the plant is in consistently moist but not overly wet.rFeeding Christiane BromeliadrBromeliads benefit from regular foliar feeding in the spring and summer. Using a spray bottle, dilute a slightly acidic liquid fertilizer to ¼ the recommended strength and spray the leaves of the Christiane Bromeliad. Repeat this process one to two times a month during the growing season. rrChristiane Bromeliad InformationrrrrLight Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low LightrrrCare Requirements: EasyrrrWatering Requirements: Average – Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.rrrPet Friendly: YesrrrKid Friendly: YesrrrAir Purifier: LowrrrHabit: ClumpingrrrGrowth Rate: SlowrrrMature Height: 4-6 feetrrrMature Spread: 4-6 feetrrrFlowering: YesrrrFlower Color(s): Red, YellowrrrFlower Shade/Description: Red, YellowrrrFragrant: YesrrrFoliage Type: rrrFoliage Color(s): Green, YellowrrrFoliage Description: Pale Green or YellowishrrrTemperature: 60° – 80°F (16° – 27°C)rrrHumidity: Average (40% – 60%)rrrCommon Name: Christiane BromeliadrrrO…