Wholesale Bromeliads of Australia
Newsletter No 3
January - February 2009
Belated Happy New Year ! It's been a rather sombre start to 2009 with all the depressing economic news - but at least we have our bromeliads & our families to cheer us up !
We've experienced very humid weather here in Northern NSW, which our broms have loved. For those further down south - we hope the heat wave conditions ease up very soon.
Our next 'Bromeliad Extravaganza' in Brisbane is coming up soon:
Sat 7th March 8am - 3pm Sunday 8th March 9am - 2pm
500 + bromeliad varieties for sale from six collectors & experienced growers. Free admission. Refreshments & lunch available. For more information phone Nigel:07 5485 3800
Featured Plant: Ursulaea macvaughii
This sought after collector's bromeliad has one of the most beautiful flowers in the bromeliad world. A pup recently sold on ebay for $72. As a special for Jan/Feb - we are selling young plants (30cm high & 45cm wide) for $30, postage included throughout Australia. A photo can be seen in the bromeliad gallery under 'Alcantareas & Others').
Ursulaea macvaughii is one of only two species in this genus. It is large growing (will reach aprox 70cm high & 80cm wide) with a stunning pendulous flower. It makes a beautiful specimen plant either in a pot or in the garden. The leaves are mid green with spined edges & the magnificent inflorescence is white & pink & produces purple flowers. It takes 2-3 years to flower – sometimes longer.
Like all bromeliads, it requires a free draining medium, whether in a pot or in the garden. It doesn't tolerate the midday sun when UV rays are highest (11am - 3pm), preferring bright indirect light or dappled sun. However it does enjoy early morning or late afternoon sun.
Don't overwater - keep medium moist but not wet. Feed lightly with a fertiliser equal to or higher in potassium than nitrogen.
*The photo in the bromeliad gallery is used with the kind permission of Kerry Tate (to use her photo of Gloria Dunbar's plant in flower).
Cultivation Notes: Guzmanias
The many hybrids available are very vigorous & easy to grow. Species guzmanias often require more specific conditions that mimic their natural environment.
Light: In their natural habitat, guzmanias are usually found in heavily shaded areas of humid rainforests & can therefore adapt to darker conditions than other bromeliads. Because of these lower light requirements (& their long lasting flower), they are an ideal indoor bromeliad (including air conditioned premises).They require moderate indirect light with no direct sun. Large European growers recommend 18,000 lux (you can buy a light metre at Dick Smiths & other elactronic stores). 70% - 75% shade cloth is ok for most areas for most of the year. Some extra protection may be required during the heat of summer (extra shade cloth or move to a darker area of the shade house). If the leaves look bleached, they are getting too much sun. Guzmanias with reddish leaves (G. zahnii & some lingulata hybrids) do require brighter indirect light to develop good colour.
Temperature: Guzmanias must be protected from frost & many don't like extreme summer heat preferring average to warm year round (16 - 27 degrees centigrade ideal). They grow best in high humidity but do tolerate drier air.
Air: These broms prefer to be well spaced so that the leaves are just touching - this allows good air circulation, which as epiphytes, they prefer. If the lower leaves die off, it's probably because they are grown too close together.
Next Newsletter: Guzmanias - water / fertilising
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Happy growing,
Bob & True Grant
