Question
I ordered a Billbergia Zebrina out of a catalog and got it in the mail in May.  I have potted it in a 10 in pot with a 50/50 mix of compost and miracle grow soil.  It gets direct sun from around 4pm to 8pm from my balcony at my aprtment and I let the soil get fairly dry before I thoroughly water it.  I fertilize it with Miracle Gro a little less than once a week but it hasn't grown at all since I potted it.  What am I doing wrong?  For a while I had it in my parking lot so it could get plenty of sun all day and that wasn't helping it to grow either.  Please help!  
Thanks!  
Randi

Answer
Hi Randi,

If you are following the instructions that were sent to you by the catalog company, then demand your money back. If you are following someone else's advice, don't ask that person again.

Billbergias never need pots larger than 5-6 inches in diameter. In larger pots, the soil stays moist for too long and rots the roots.

Billbergias must be protected from direct sun at all times. Outdoor direct sun is especially intense and way too strong for Billbergia, which ordinarily grows under the shade of the canopy of the tropical rain forest. In a pot, it should be indoors on a windowsill or outdoors in shade.

Compost is great for the garden, but not at all appropriate for indoor potted plants. Compost is too heavy and dense for potted plants. Billbergia should be in a 6 inch pot with a peat-based soilless potting mix.

Billbergia is a light feeder and does not need much plant food at all. At most it should be fertilized at half strength monthly and then only when it is growing vigorously.

I hope this is not too blunt or discouraging for you, but clearly many mistakes have been made. Next time you acquire a new plant contact me before you do anything so I can advise you accordingly. I know you are eager to learn and I can help you.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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