Bromeliads are mainly propagated via their offsets, but do you know that they can also be grown from seeds? Mostly the Bromeliad seeds are fleshy fruit, but some also produce dry capsules.
You can easily detach the berries from Bromeliads and start the propagation process. But, if you do not have a plant, you can always germinate them with store-bought seeds.
Continue reading to learn how to extract, germinate, and care for Bromeliad seeds at every stage.
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What do Bromeliad Seeds Look Like?
Bromeliads often produce a dense growth of sharply pointed, overlapping leaves in the first year and a short stalk with multiple blossoms in the second year.
It takes up to 3-5 years for Bromeliads to bear flowers and produces seeds. Later, the fruits grow larger and are covered in a thick, sweet, fleshy mass.
Factor | Specification |
---|---|
Size | 1-2 mm |
Color | Brown |
Shape | Tiny and flat |
Weight | Approximately 0.0019 gram |
Blooming Season | Varies; blooms once |
Time taken to produce seed | Up to 3 years |
Germination Time | Around 4 months |
Storage | Store in a paper container or envelope |
Bromeliads produce abundant amounts of seeds in the knowledge that not all of their offspring will make it to maturity. It is referred to as the R approach in ecology.
Harvesting Bromeliad Seeds
When the seed pod gets a few shades darker than the natural color, it indicates that the seeds have matured.
With mild pressure, you should be able to separate the berries. If the berries fall off easily, the seed is ready to harvest.
Bromeliad plants only have one bloom, which can persist for several months depending on the age of the plant.
How to Extract Bromeliad Seeds
- Gently extract the pods or also known as the berry of the Bromeliad. They’ll usually be purple or pink in color.
- Squeeze the seed out of the berry on a paper towel until all of the seeds come out.
- Wash your Bromeliad seeds with a drop of detergent to remove the layer of slime they’re naturally covered in.
- Place them in small paper envelopes and seal them for later use.
You should be mindful that Bromeliad seeds have a short shelf life. They can last anywhere from four weeks to three months.
A proper storage method can lengthen the viability of Bromeliad seeds. Store these seeds in paper envelopes with the lowest humidity possible.
How to Sow Bromeliad Seeds?
Usually, Bromeliads are grown outdoors only in zones 9 and 10.
While growing indoors, it is best to place the potted seeds tray in a water bed and cover them with a white cotton sheet.
After the seeds start growing, you can acclimatize the plant by replacing it from a protected indoor environment to harsh fluctuating outdoor conditions.
Collect the required tools for germinating Bromeliad, such as Bromeliad Seeds, Seed Starter Mix, Seed Tray, Gloves, Trowels, Humidifier, and Plastic Wrap/ Plastic Lid.
Steps to Propagate Bromeliad via Seeds
Bromeliad seed propagation is a simple process. There are simply a few steps to it.
Prepare the Seed and Container
- From the freshly harvested seeds, wash the Bromeliads Seed with warm soapy water to remove the gelatinous substance.
- Place them on a paper towel to dry.
- Using hot water and mild detergent, clean the germination tray or the plastic container.
- After raising the tray, spray with diluted vinegar solution.
Make Ready Potting Mix
- Prepare the potting mix by combining 60% potting soil with 40% perlite.
- A mix of sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite, and orchid mixes will also work well.
- Bromeliads require a warm, moist growing environment and enjoy slightly acidic soil.
- To avoid the formation of fungi and dampening, include a fungicide in the mix and sprinkle finely powdered peat moss on top of the medium.
Sow the Seeds
- Wet the potting medium so that it is damp enough.
- Grab the germination tray or a plastic container with multiple drainage holes in the bottom and fill the container 1/3 full with the starter mix.
- Directly sow the seeds on top of the potting medium. Do not bury the seeds or cover them with soil mix.
- Let the light enter the seeds’ surface and softly dust them with a thin sprinkle.
- Cover the container with a lid, or securely wrap it with plastic.
Grow the Seeds
- Fresh seeds should germinate after a few days.
- Once they develop three to four leaves, remove the lids and allow the seeds to acclimatize.
- For seed development, use a high potassium content fertilizer such as NPK 15-4-26.
- After a few weeks or months, move the Bromeliad seedlings to their planters.
How Long Does Bromeliad Plant Take to Grow From Seeds?
It takes great patience to grow Bromeliads from seed.
Some slow-growing Bromeliad species may take 4–7 years to reach maturity, while faster-growing species may do it in as little as 2-3 years.
The germination rate also depends on the freshness of the seeds.
Depending on the genus, germination should occur in four to five days, and seedlings should be ready for picking in five months.
And not all seeds may germinate and grow into Bromeliad plants.
Hence, try to sow many seeds to increase the probability of successful germination.
Care Instructions for Bromeliad Seeds During Germination
There are a few things you can do to help Bromeliad seeds germinate. The pace of growth is mainly dependent on external factors.
The following are some of the most important things to remember while caring for Bromeliad seedlings.
- Keep the germination tray out of direct sunlight. You can use artificial grow lights to provide the necessary amount of light.
- Use a heating pad to keep Bromeliad seeds warm.
- The germination rate will be higher if you keep them at 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep an eye on the temperature, you can use a thermometer.
- If you notice fungus or mold on the mix, remove the cover of the germination container and set it in direct sunlight for no more than 1 hour. After that, replace the lid.
- Acclimate the seedling to a less humid environment after having three to four leaves.
Care Instructions for Bromeliad Seeds After Germination
You must continue to take care of the seeds after germination as well.
Your Bromeliad seedlings will start sprouting within three weeks after potting.
Below given are the essential growth requirements for Bromeliad seedlings.
- Place the plant where it receives the right amount of light. It should receive a lot of indirect light throughout the day. The seedlings can be damaged if exposed to too much direct sunlight.
- Mist the soil periodically to keep it moist. Be careful not to saturate it with water, as this may cause root rot.
- Use a weak fertilizer solution on the developing plant to boost it to flourish.
- Ideally, maintain the humidity to be around sixty percent.
- Maintaining a temperature between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit will allow a Bromeliad plant to flourish to its full potential.
You can also watch the video given below for detailed guidance.
Bromeliad Seeds for Sale
Bromeliad seeds are not that hard to find. Here’s a list of some of the places where you can get them.
Shops | Delivery |
---|---|
Amazon | Usually ships within 6 to 10 days. |
Etsy | 1–2 business days |
Best Seeds Online | 10-30 business days |
Rare Exotic Seeds | 7-15 days |
Want to quickly pot Bromeliad from its Pup? Check this out Repot a Bromeliad Pup? Also, read the Benefits of Bromeliad Plants.
Wrapping Up
Bromeliads are easy-to-grow houseplants that provide lovely foliage and gorgeous blossoms to a bright environment while offering long-lasting tropical color.
Even the care for Bromeliad is not complicated. It’s a great plant to start with if you’re new to indoor plants.
Follow this guide thoroughly and get started on the journey of growing Bromeliads.