DATE:   11/21/96
WRITER: Bob Polomski, (864) 656-2604

Coaxing Blooms From the Silver Vase Bromeliad

     Q:  I have an offset of the silver vase bromeliad (Aechmea
fasciata) which has been growing independently for three years. 
Does it have to be a certain age to bloom? Is there any way that
I can force it into bloom? 
     A:  Besides its ease of cultivation indoors, silver vase
bromeliad is cherished for its pink inflorescence, whose
ephemeral pale blue flowers quickly give way to colorful pink
bracts that remain decorative for close to six months.
     Providing that you severed the offset at the right time --
one-third the size of the mother with at least five
well-developed leaves -- it should be expected to bloom one or
two years later. Perhaps a little more time is required for your
bromeliad to reach maturity, or possibly inadequate sunlight,
less than ideal temperatures, or poor nutrition have inhibited
flowering. 
     Locate your bromeliad in bright, indirect sunlight with a
room temperature between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilize
monthly with a diluted houseplant fertilizer mixed at one-half
the recommended rate. Apply the fertilizer to the "cup" and over
the potting media after the media has been moistened. Empty the 
cup every now and then to prevent the water from stagnating.
     If these cultural conditions have been met, reluctant
bloomers can be strong-armed into flowering by exposing the plant
to ethylene. This natural plant hormone is produced by ripening
fruit and induces flowering. Enclose the entire plant in a clear
plastic bag with a couple of ripe apples. Twist-tie the bag
closed and place the bag in bright indirect sunlight for a week
to 10 days. Remove the plant, and in about one or two months a
flower bud may appear.
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to 
Agricultural News & Publications, A-101 Poole Agricultural
Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0311.
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