3 Queens Tears Bromelaid Babies/Plants "Friendship Plant" or Billbergia Zerbrina or Nutans

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Can this grow with artificial light?

Jul 31st, 2014 at 11:25:15 PM PDT by

Caring for Bromeliads:

Never use any kind of oil to clean bromeliad leaves or control pests, since oil can interfere with the work of the leaf scales. Also be careful of placement of your bromeliad, since the plants fall over easily when they become top heavy and some species have sharp terminal spines that should be clipped for use in a reptile Vivarium.

Light:

Bromeliads vary in their preference for light. Those with stiff leaves, such as urn plant and variegated pineapple need more light than than species with more pliable foliage, such as queens tears. Memorize the phrase “ soft leaf / soft light, hard leaf / hard light as a good rule of thumb.

Temperature:

Average room temperatures are fine for most bromeliads, which should never be cooled below 60F / 16C. The species guzmania resents temps above 80F / 27C

Aug 1st, 2014 at 12:29:49 AM PDT by

continuation of answer : Fertilizer:

Bromeliads are not heavy feeders, but they grow best if fertilized in summer with an all purpose liquid plant food diluted to half strength. I would strongly suggest using a fertilizer that is organic, or animal safe like fish fertilizer, for use in a vivarium housing any reptiles. With most bromeliads it is best to spray the fertilizer solution on the leaves and into the tank, while also dribbling a bit into the soil around the plant.

Water:

Most bromeliads gather water in their tanks, or reservoirs, and only a little moisture from natural rainfall penetrates the leaves to the roots. Keep in mind when watering bromeliads that many are sensitive to minerals, chemicals and hard water, so they prefer rain water or distilled water. Hard water can cause slow growth and browning of the leaves.

When watering bromeliads it is best to spray the water on the leaves and into the tank, while also dribbling a bit into the soil around the plant when the soil is dry. A few species require more water in their soil, but as with other houseplants over watering can cause root rot.

Soil:

Most bromeliads take up nutrients and moisture through their leaves and cups, so they do not rely on their roots for sustenance the way most other plants do. Fast drainage along with air space in the root zone is important with bromeliads. To meet these requirements it is best to use a mix of 1 part peat moss, 1 part sand or perlite, and 1 part chopped, decomposed tree bark or pine needles. This creates an acidic mix that is good for bromeliads. Potting soil specific for orchids is also a good choice. Never add lime to potting mixes for bromelaids.
I hope this helps and yes you can:-)

Aug 1st, 2014 at 12:30:48 AM PDT by

FREE: 3 Queens Tears Bromelaid Babies/Plants "Friendship Plant" or Billbergia Zerbrina or Nutans