Billbergia

Family. Bromeliaceae.

Origin. Argentina, Brazil.

Description. Billbergia is one of the easiest epiphytic plants to cultivate. It has a small root system, which is mainly used for planting on tree trunks; the plant absorbs water and nutrients through the leaves. The leaves are hard, leathery, dark green, up to 38 cm long, collected in a rosette. Often the edges of the leaf blade have teeth. As the leaves grow, they bend gracefully in all directions, giving the plant a very graceful appearance. Only mature plants bloom in spring. The flowers come in a wide variety of shades - from pink and purple to yellow or greenish, and are surrounded by bright pink bracts. 

Height. 60 - 80 cm.

Caring at home

When it blooms 

Most plants bloom without additional stimulation in late March or early April. Flowering lasts 6-8 weeks. The first buds are formed at the age of 2-3 years.

Soil for billbergia 

A mixture for orchids with the addition of perlite and pine bark is suitable. 

Reproduction 

After flowering, you can separate the side shoots, which are at least 15 cm high, and place them in a new pot, where they will take root within a few weeks. Seeds.

How to care 

Billbergias are unpretentious houseplants, but they also require certain knowledge. The bush can be stimulated to bloom using magnesium sulfate added to water or fertilizer. You can place a ripe apple in a pot and keep the plant under a plastic bag for a week or two. This will create gas inside, which will promote the formation of buds. Try to take the billbergia outside during the warm season, taking care to shelter it from wind and rain.

Watering 

Billbergia gets most of its moisture from the air and directly from the leaves and flowers. During the summer months, leaves, flowers and roots should be watered daily. During the dormant period, water fairly moderately. In summer, softened water at room temperature can be placed in the center of the outlet. 

How to replant 

Young specimens are repotted every year, slightly increasing the size of the pot. Never repot the plant during flowering.

Growing temperature

The flower is demanding of temperature conditions. Temperature conditions should change depending on the season. In summer, the optimum temperature is 18 - 27º C. In autumn, winter and cool spring months, the plant requires 16 - 24º C. In cold winters, it tolerates 4º C, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures will affect flowering next year.

Lighting

Bright, reflected light. When kept outdoors in the warm season, place the plant in partial shade. If exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves may become sunburned.

Feeding

During the growth period, feed 2 times a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer in half the dosage. In the autumn-winter period - monthly. Use spray fertilizers, as plants absorb nutrients through the leaves.

Spraying

In the summer heat, it will be useful to increase the humidity. Browning of the leaf tips indicates dry air. Spray the plant with soft water at room temperature from time to time or use a room humidifier.

Pests and diseases

If the billbergia does not bloom, it may be due to lack of light - move it to a brighter room. The leaves turn red when exposed to direct sunlight. If there is insufficient air humidity, the tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown. 

Among the harmful insects, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, scale insects, and aphids can pose a certain danger.

Purpose

It is possible to grow the flower for a long time without natural light, which allows using them for landscaping rooms without windows (halls, corridors, bathrooms, etc.). As a light source for the listed crops, it is recommended to use fluorescent lamps, which should be turned on for 14 - 16 hours a day.

Note

Flower lovers appreciate bilbergia for its beautiful foliage and colorful buds. On average, the plant lives in the house for about 3 years.

Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics. 

Billbergia varieties:

Billbergia nutans

A beautiful plant with long, up to 40 cm, green, sword-shaped leaves, collected in a rosette. The leaves droop gracefully and lay their tips on the ground. The flower stalks are bright pink, curved in the form of an arch, and bear several flowers with long yellow stamens at the tops. The flowers are pink, purple, yellow or green and surrounded by red or pink bracts.