Q: My neighbor has planted a bromeliad in full sun. I thought they all had to be grown in shade.

A: Bromeliads come from a wide range of environments, from areas with deep shade to full sun, so chances are good you can find a bromeliad suitable for the amount of light your landscape receives. Light exposure can alter a bromeliad’s leaf color, leaf shape, and growth rate. If the light levels are too low for the variety then the leaves will become long, thin, and greener in color. If light levels are too high the leaves become shorter, thicker, and lighter in color, sometimes even the edges of the leaves will turn brown. Bromeliads have very shallow roots which are mainly used to anchor the plant so it is important to provide well drained soil which is moist but never wet. The ideal soil should consist of equal parts peat, bark and coarse sand. Attached is a publication from the University of Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep337

In addition, this article was printed in the Bromeliad Society Newsletter and lists some full sun bromeliads for South Florida. However, do note, these bromeliads may not be able to handle the colder temperatures of Northeast Florida: http://fcbs.org/articles/full-sun-bromeliads.htm

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Posted: June 20, 2017


Category: Home Landscapes
Tags: Bromeliad


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