If you’ve been growing bromeliads for a while and are curious about starting from the ground up, you should give it a go! Starting bromeliads from seed is a really cool, rewarding experience. But where do you start?
To get started, grab your seeds – pollinating the flower yourself or just waiting for the seed pod to mature, depending on what kind of bromeliad you have. Then, you’ve got a prep the growing medium – this is where your seeds will live, so it’s essential to get it right. Now, it’s time to germinate those seeds and start caring for your new bromeliad seedlings.
Let’s get into it! Here I’ll go through all the steps for starting bromeliads from seed – from collecting the seeds to troubleshooting any issues.
How to Collect Bromeliad Seeds?
Collecting the seed is the first step if you want to grow a bromeliad from seed. Only a small percentage of bromeliads self-pollinate; the majority are pollinated by insects and birds, which makes this somewhat challenging.
Pollination
You must manually pollinate the flowers if you have indoor bromeliads. This can be accomplished by moving pollen from one flower to another using a tiny paintbrush or cotton swab. Your bromeliads may have been pollinated and be capable of producing healthy seeds if they are grown outdoors.
Harvesting
Once the seed pod matures, you’ll know it’s time to harvest it when it easily detaches from the plant with just a little tug.
Each seed pod contains numerous seeds, and by soaking the seeds in a container with a drop of detergent, you can get rid of the jelly-like coating that frequently covers the seeds.
When the seeds appear clean, shake the container frequently. Then, drain the water, rinse the seeds, and spread them out on a paper towel to dry.
Viability And Storage
It is crucial to remember that bromeliad seeds do not survive for very long. Depending on their family and storage methods, they will only last four to three months.
Seeds from the Pitcairnioideae and Bromelioideae families have a three-month lifespan, whereas seeds from the Tillandsioideae family have a lifespan of six weeks or less. The right storage techniques can increase the seeds’ viability. Store the seeds in paper bags or envelopes with the least amount of humidity possible to help them last longer.s
Purchasing Seeds
You can buy seeds from an experienced grower if you don’t want to harvest your own. A fun way to experiment with new cultivars and varieties is the seed exchange offered by the Bromeliad Society International.
Preparing Your Growing Medium
Preparing the right growing medium is crucial for starting bromeliads from seed. Bromeliads are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants and trees in their native habitat.
They do not require soil to grow, and many species will rot if planted in the soil. Therefore, preparing a suitable medium is crucial for the success of your seeds. Here are some steps to prepare your growing medium:
Select A medium
A good growing medium should be porous and able to hold moisture yet still, allowing for proper drainage. The most commonly used medium for bromeliads is a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite or vermiculite.
Soak The medium
Soak the sphagnum moss in water until it is fully saturated. This will take about 30 minutes. Once fully soaked, squeeze out any excess water.
Mix in The perlite or vermiculite
Mix in perlite or vermiculite to the sphagnum moss. The ratio of sphagnum moss to perlite/vermiculite should be around 2:1.
Sterilize The medium
Before planting, sterilize the medium to kill off any bacteria or fungi that could harm the seeds. This can be done by baking the medium at 250°F (121°C) for 30 minutes.
Prepare The containers
Select small containers, such as seed trays or plastic cups, to plant the seeds. Fill the containers with the prepared growing medium, leaving about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) at the top.
How to Germinate Bromeliad Seeds?
After you have collected or purchased bromeliad seeds and prepared your growing medium, it is time to start the germination process. Germinating bromeliad seeds can be a slow process, but it is rewarding when you see the tiny seedlings begin to grow.
Sow The Seeds
Sow the seeds on top of the growing medium, spacing them out evenly. It is best to use a container with drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the growing medium.
Provide Optimal Temperature And Humidity
Bromeliad seeds require specific temperature and humidity conditions to germinate. For best results, keep the container with the seeds in a warm location with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the container with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect.
Keep The Soil Moist
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is crucial to regularly mist the soil with water to maintain the high humidity level. Avoid watering the seeds from above, as this can dislodge or wash them away.
Be Patient
Bromeliad seeds can germinate for several weeks to several months, depending on the species. Some may even take up to a year. Be patient and continue to provide optimal growing conditions until the seeds germinate.
Transplanting The Seedlings
Once the seedlings have developed several leaves, it is time to transplant them into their pots. Use the same growing medium before and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
This occurs when seedlings are attacked by fungus shortly after germination, resulting in the death of the seedlings. To avoid dampening off, you can sprinkle finely ground peat moss over the top of the potting medium before planting the seeds.
You can also apply a fungicide to the mix. If you notice any signs of mold or fungus, remove the lid from the container and place the seedlings in direct sun for no more than an hour. Then, replace the cover. This should kill the fungus without damaging the plants.
What are some recommended books and resources for beginners who are interested in learning more about bromeliads?
For beginners eager to delve into the world of bromeliads, various books and resources for bromeliad enthusiasts serve as indispensable tools. Bromeliads for Home and Garden by Jack Kramer provides practical tips and insights, while Bromeliads: For the Contemporary Garden by Andrew Steens offers inspiration for modern displays. Online forums and websites like the Bromeliad Society International and Bromeliad Cultivar Register are ideal hubs for interaction and knowledge-sharing among bromeliad enthusiasts. These books and resources for bromeliad enthusiasts pave the way for an enriching learning experience for beginners.
Guide for Growing Bromeliad from the Seeds
Conclusion
Starting bromeliads from seed can be a rewarding experience for plant enthusiasts. It may take some patience and effort, but seeing your seedlings grow into mature plants can be a satisfying accomplishment. Collecting and preparing the seeds, choosing the right growing medium, germinating the seeds, and caring for the seedlings are all essential steps to ensure success.
However, as with any plant, there may be challenges. By troubleshooting common problems, you can help your bromeliads thrive.
Remember, starting bromeliads from seed is an opportunity to experiment with new varieties and cultivars and to share your successes with other plant enthusiasts. You can enjoy the beauty of bromeliads grown from your seeds with careful attention and care.
Resources:
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bromeliads/
- https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/frank/savebromeliads/conservation-method.html
- https://extension.psu.edu/propagating-houseplants
