Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone had problems with these rotting out? I can't seem to keep one alive. I'm in the process of making a vivarium and only need to finish planting it, but my bromeliad died before I could trans plant it into the viv. Any ideas would be apreciated. Also does anyone have any ideas for making moss grow on the ground? One more thing, what is a good air plant that isn't too tall, or grows horizontaly. Sorry about the long post, but I'm excited about finishing this! Thanks for your help!

Most bromeliads are epiphytes and what appear to be their roots are merely attachments so they can adhere to tree branches, etc. If these are kept wet in soil, the bromeliad will rot. Nourishment comes from organic debris dissolved in water that accummulates in the vases or cups in some species. (Not all bromes are the same, so this is a generalization about the kind we keep in terrariums.) They need to grow on something like a branch with sphagnum, or some pressed cocoanut fiber panels that their stolons can dig into, but never get saturated with moisture. Most Tillandsias need even sharper drainage. Spanish Moss is a Tillandsia, for instance. It hangs from Oak trees, but is not a parasite. It lives on it's own, just hanging there in heat and high humidity. This doesn't even have the water and organic debris collection vases of some of the others, and actually appears to live off purely humid air.

I would guess you are growing your bromeliads like a petunia-- giving them soil and water on the "roots." or even fertilizing them. Just peg them into a piece of cork bark, pressed cocoanut fiber, branch, or whatever you want it to attach to, up in the air, then just spray it once a day or so when you mist your frogs. Give it good light. It it gets soggy or wet for any period of time, it is going to rot.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus

Thanks. I've heard some people say that there are some species that actualy root into the soil and don't mind having wet roots. What are some of these species' names, especialy smaller varieties. The one I had was a Vriesea, and the tag also said christiane at the top. I know Vriesea is the genus, I'm guessing christiane is the variety name? Any help on finding the right brom would be apreciated. Thanks!

Pineapples are bromeliads that grow in fields and don't mind wet roots. Vresias are mostly epiphytic and do mind. The first name is the genus, the second the species and the third the variety. Sometimes an unidentified species may be called by a kind of "pet" name made up by the seller. Hybrids may have special names like "Princess Rose" or "Magic Dragon," or somthing romantic.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus

Micky,

I've had good luck with growing neoregilia species in soil. although it helps to put a peice of cork bark down and rest the bromeliad on it but is not neccessary. As for moss it is pretty easy to grow provided these two aspects are met, good lighting and regular misting. Sorry I can't help you with air plants. I have no experience with them. Here is a good link that has both bromeliads and air plants for sale. http://www.cloudjungle.com/eshop/Default.asp