Bromeliaceae - Plant Encyclopedia Results

King of fruits! One of the most delicious fruits in the world, especially when picked and eaten fresh. Pineapples are a tropical fruit that is rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, with the ability to boost the immune system. Popular varieties of pineapples include Royal Hawaiian, Victoria Gourmet, Hawaiian Gold, Sugar Loaf, and Miniature Dwarf. There are also ornamental varieties, such as the variegated pineapple "Ivory Coast," that are valued for their exotic tropical look and require very little care.

Pineapples are short, stiff herbaceous plants that are closely related to bromeliads. They have long, thin leaves with spiny tips and prickly edges, and a violet or reddish flower on a dense head, which appears from January to March in Florida. The fruit is compound, fleshy, and usually yellow to orange when ripe, with a rough outer skin.

Pineapples are not very susceptible to diseases, but they can suffer from root rot, mealy bugs, and spider mites. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the area clean and free of any infestations. In cold regions, it is necessary to bring the pineapple container inside and keep it in a cool place during the winter. If temperatures drop below freezing for an extended period, it is necessary to cover the container with a thick layer of mulch to protect the plant.

Pineapples can be grown and harvested in pots, but it is important to be careful with watering and only use acidic soil. Like any bromeliad, pineapples need very little water and the soil should be allowed to dry between waterings. The heaviest fruiting season for pineapples is summer, from May to September, although some varieties have a staggered fruiting season throughout the year.

Read more about Pineapple: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit: Pineapple.

Ananas 'Mongo' is an ornamental pineapple variety distinguished by its compact growth and vibrant red bracts surrounding the developing fruit, making it a striking accent for tropical gardens and decorative containers. Looks great in the garden paired with other bromeliads.

Pitcairnia is a genus of the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Pitcairnioideae.

Almost all Pitcairnias are terrestrial or saxicolous, and prefer moist areas. However, many are found growing epiphytically in trees.

Species:

Pitcairnia arcuata

Pitcairnia maidifolia

Pitcairnia sanguinea

The plant genus Tillandsia, a member of the Bromeliad family Bromeliaceae, is found in the deserts, forests and mountains of Central and South America, and Mexico and the southern United States in North America. The thinner leafed varieties grow in rainy areas and the thick leafed varieties in areas more subject to drought. Nutrients are gathered from the air (dust, decaying leaves and insect matter) through structures on the leaves called trichomes. Tillandsia species are epiphytes, i.e. in nature they normally grow on other plants, without being parasitic, and they grow without soil, growing instead on trees, rocks and cliffs. Reproduction is by offsets called "pups". A single plant could have a dozen pups which can be removed and grown alone or left to form a colony.

Read more about Tillandsia sp.

Native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, Acanthostachys strobilacea (Pinecone Bromeliad) is a small shrub that grows to reach 2-5ft in height. This attractive epiphyte requires a moderate amount of water and semi-shade to grow and thrive, making it the perfect plant for a hanging basket in a sunny or partially-shaded location. Its leaves are a deep green with gray scurf and spines, while its flowers range in color from yellow to orange.

Despite its exotic appearance, Acanthostachys strobilacea is low-maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners who don't have much time to spare on tending to their plants. In addition, it is drought-tolerant and can even thrive in xeriscaped environments.

For those who live in USDA Zone 9-11, Acanthostachys strobilacea is well-suited for growing in containers. The plant can be successfully grown in cold regions as long as its soil is kept moist. In cooler climates, the plant should be moved to a sheltered area during the winter months to ensure the soil does not become too cold and wet, as this could damage the roots. Furthermore, when growing in a pot, it is important to ensure the pot is well-drained and to water the plant regularly and deeply.

Overall, Acanthostachys strobilacea is a beautiful and exotic plant that is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it a great addition to any sunny or partially-shaded garden. With the right care, it can thrive in its environment and bring a unique beauty to any garden.

Aechmea fasciata has silver/green bands, rose pink bracts and blue, purple or red flowers. It requires partial shade and a well-drained, but moisture-retentive soil. It can also be grown epiphytically, as, for example, with moss around its roots and wired to rough bark.