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A quick way to expand one’s collection of bromeliads is to grow, them from seeds. It is a most interesting pursuit, and the breeder is occasionally blessed with variegated or interesting ones. Before, one begins to start on hybridization, it is necessary to learn the names and recognize the parts of the flower. The whole base on which the flower rests and to which it is attached is called the calyx. Al bromeliad flowers have three petals, contained or enclosed by three sepals.

These petals surround the sexual part of the flower. Inside the petals are six stamens, topped by structures that look like boats called anthers, considered as the male parts. The pistil serves as the center of it all and is topped by the female part called the stigma. This can be longer than the stamens or can be enclosed by stamens somewhat resembling a dome, making it difficult to hybridize. This is also true to self-pollinating flowers. .These types of bromeliads are receptive only to .its own pollen. However, only 1-5 percent of the bromeliads are self-fertile.

Neoregelias and aechmeas are the most difficult to breed because the flowers are small with the anthers closing over the stigma as if protecting it from intruders. The anthers must be removed, preferably before the pollen is mature. This is to avoid incidences of the pollen falling thereby creating a big possibility to miss out the crossed fertilized seed one intends to have. The basic process of breeding bromeliads is very simple and can be done by the average plant lover. One just needs to know the very basic factors that can also serve as a guide for future usage. These are the following: understanding and sufficient knowledge of the bromeliad genera, availability of sufficient parent plants, financial inputs or investments, willingness to take risks, and patience.

To start with hybridization, one should establish that the parent plants are not self pollinating. Gather pollen from another plant. This will be the male side of the cross. You can store pollen in the refrigerator where it should keep viable within the next months. Fresh pollen is the best to use but refrigeration is necessary; not all bromeliads flower at the same time. Label carefully your pollen with the name of the plant you took it and the date so that you can discard it when it becomes some months old and are no longer viable.

Gently remove the anthers of the female side of the cross. Petals can be pushed aside to reveal the pollen but must not be removed since the petals close over the stigma as the flower withers. Anthers can be easily cut away with scissors but for neoregelias, forceps can be used.

Factors to consider in breeding bromeliads are: understanding and sufficient knowledge of the bromeliad genera: availability of sufficient parent plants, financial inputs/investments, willingness to take risk and patience.

For preparations for breeding, select mature plants to be used as parent plants. Prepare materials to be used: potting medium, plastic bags, rubber bands, fungicide and rooting hormone, netting, tweezers, petri dishes or anything similar.

Photo by Vitorio Benedetti
Photo by Geek2Nurse
Photo by Vitorio Benedetti
Photo by Halley Pacheco
Photo by orange.tag.pixx

What must be bred? This question can be addressed by the person who would like to go into breeding. Personal experiences can only help guide first timers. The most important is to set your goals so you may have a direction.

The broad spectrum in cultivation allows you a wide choice that appeals to your desire and purpose. You can use them to landscape your garden or decorate your living room, porch, lanai, office or just put one or a few on your center or side tables. Because of their wide variety of leaf shapes, colors, flowering and growth habits, the bromeliads are very versatile and are a favorite by both landscapers and interior designers. Singly or in group, they can beautify dull corners or accent a piece of furniture, highlight a simple office or soften the hard straight lines of shelves. In clusters with other plants, the bromeliads will simulate a tropical jungle landscape. Some can be grown in terrariums or dish gardens while others will grow well on driftwoods forming a miniature air garden in a rainforest.

Among the numerous genera of the bromeliads, the Tillandsia is the most intriguing and fascinating not only because of its growth habits but also because of how peculiar they look. Tillandsias are highly variable, they maybe bulbous, tufted, other curious forms. These are considered as adaptable air plants, dwelling on tree top environment like orchids where the wind moves freely. Tillandsias demand very little care if given a suitable environment and as soon as they become adapted to the new environment.

Tillandsias require good air circulation. Place them in areas where there is good strong light, air movement, and moist atmosphere.

Here are lists of tillandsias you can grow in your home or garden:

1. Tillandsia edithae, small dusty plant preferring low temperatures and bright light. The tip of the plant turns red at flowering and produces beautiful flowers.

2. Tillandsia cyanea or Pink Quill, an extraordinary plant, this one is the most desirable of the tillandsias because of its large blue-violet flowers and deep pink inflorescence. It retains its color for several months. The plant will adapt to a potting medium kept, moistened 1 or 2 times per week.

3. Tillandsia serographica, large silvery plant with leaves curving into a ball. The short inflorescence has pink bracts and light purple flowers, it prefers full sunlight.

4. Tillandsia bulbosa or Dancing Bulb, an especially curious small plant with bulbous base and outstretched green arms that are tinted red in bright light. This tillandsia is very easy to grow.

5. Tillandsia circinnata or Twisted Air Plant, a small compact octopus-like plant, which forms dense clusters in good light. Its short pink spike about as long as the plant, has lavender flowers.

6. Tillandsia punctulata or Fairy Queen, this species will grow roots in a porous potting medium. It prefers moderate light and cool temperature.Place some water in a cup-like leaf bases about once or twice daily.