BROMELIAD CARE IN THE WINTER

Growing Concerns: 
Winter Challenges of Heat and Light

by Paul Wingert, S.E.Michigan Bromeliad Society

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      The role of heat relates directly to the metabolism, or growth rate, of plants. Most bromeliads are considered to effectively stop growing when temperatures are 54 degrees or colder. There are always exceptions, of course. Some high altitude species may thrive under cooler conditions, but most of the plants that we enjoy growing do best with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The greatest impact to bromeliads growing under cooler conditions is that they will produce fewer leaves than they would in a warmer climate. For instance, I grow many hybrids of Neoregelia concentrica heritage because I love the way they look when they bloom. I know that they will rarely be competitive with a Florida or California grown specimen, because the number of leaves is fewer, and perfect conformation is very difficult to achieve. In my greenhouse, plants would certainly benefit if I were to install a nice gas furnace to heat the air to 70-75 during the day. The 1500-watt electric heater I use only raises temps to about 62-65 on a cloudy day, depending on how cold the temperature is outside. Temperatures at night can be as cold as 45-50 in the greenhouse when the outside temps are extremely cold. I suspect that this doesn’t make all of my plants real happy, but I have rarely had plants die from the lingering chill.

If you are growing your bromeliads inside the house, then they are certainly comfortable if you are. Dialing down your thermostat at night will be healthy for the plants, too, as well as saving money on your utility bills!

       Growing bromeliads in the summer time seems so easy. Just put them outside and they look great. During the winter, though, things aren’t always so easy. Even in my greenhouse, things can get pretty cool and gloomy. Not only are the days at their shortest, but the sun is also at its lowest intensity. In addition, weeks on end of lake effect clouds, and blankets of snow blocking what little light exists curse us. When we do get a sunny day, the temperature will reach 80-85 degrees in my greenhouse. Unfortunately, for the entire month of December 2005 only one day was sunny! Several broms seem relatively unfazed by the cooler, dimmer conditions. Aechmea orlandiana and Ae. capixabae are blooming beautifully, along with many Vrieseas. Many of the beautiful foliage types, such as Vriesea fosteriana and its hybrids also look very nice. Even some of the red leafed Neoregelias such as ‘Charm’ and ‘Royal Burgundy’ are keeping good color.   

      The role of heat relates directly to the metabolism, or growth rate, of plants. Most bromeliads are considered to effectively stop growing when temperatures are 54 degrees or colder. There are always exceptions, of course. Some high altitude species may thrive under cooler conditions, but most of the plants that we enjoy growing do best with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The greatest impact to bromeliads growing under cooler conditions is that they will produce fewer leaves than they would in a warmer climate. For instance, I grow many hybrids of Neoregelia concentrica heritage because I love the way they look when they bloom. I know that they will rarely be competitive with a Florida or California grown specimen, because the number of leaves is fewer, and perfect conformation is very difficult to achieve. In my greenhouse, plants would certainly benefit if I were to install a nice gas furnace to heat the air to 70-75 during the day. The 1500-watt electric heater I use only raises temps to about 62-65 on a cloudy day, depending on how cold the temperature is outside. Temperatures at night can be as cold as 45-50 in the greenhouse when the outside temps are extremely cold. I suspect that this doesn’t make all of my plants real happy, but I have rarely had plants die from the lingering chill.

If you are growing your bromeliads inside the house, then they are certainly comfortable if you are. Dialing down your thermostat at night will be healthy for the plants, too, as well as saving money on your utility bills!