Question
I have a Neoregelia Carolinae Bromeliad, which is growing well. It blushed and looked like it was about to flower (I could see blue bits in the vase) but then nothing happened and the blue bits seemed to rot. Should the Flower have protruded from the vase or was that it?
Conditions:- South facing windowsill in Ireland (So often it's quite cloudy ;o) vase is topped up with rain water, once a week (sometimes twice if it has been hot) Occasinally I feed with liquid fertiliser (Miracle Grow - maybe once a month). Thanks for any advice you have to give.

Answer
Hi June,

The flowers of Neoregelia are not very prominent and they do not extend out of the vase as happens with other Bromeliads. The flowers should last for a couple of weeks before they start to fade. If they die back prematurely, it may be due to inadequate light or improper watering.

Your south windowsill is the best that you can do and if the cloud cover is not too heavy it should be adequate.

I know all the books and other sources say to keep water in the cup or vase of a Bromeliad. Although, this is what occurs in nature, recent studies have indicated that unless the water evaporates frequently there is a risk that the water will rot the flowers and the vase. Potted Bromeliads are best hydrated by watering the soil as you would other plants. Be sure to allow the soil to become nearly dried out in between waterings. Keep the vase dry.

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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