Introduction

In Part 1 of this series, I wrote about Tillandsia alto-mayoensis and Fernseea bocainensis. In this issue I'll provide information about obtaining and growing Aechmea entringeri, Tillandsia confertiflora and Guzmania garciaensis. I have seen all three of these plants in their native habitat, and will describe those habitats and indicate how I try to recreate those conditions in my greenhouse through proper potting mixes, lighting, watering and placement.

Please note that while I live in Pataskala, Ohio, all of the plants which I will recommend I believe grow in a wide range of environments from hot to cool. Furthermore, I select plants which I believe do not require any extra special needs such as being constantly cool, or constantly wet, or requiring full sun, or full shade. They should be suitable over a very wide range of conditions and care that would be normal to most bromeliad growers.

For those of you who are interested in just a glimpse of my growing environment, you can see the inside of a portion of my L-shaped lean-to greenhouse in Figure 1. The largest plants I grow are not put in the greenhouse in the winter time when I have freezing temperatures outside; rather, they are placed near windows within my home to be enjoyed during those months. Those larger plants include such things as Vriesea hieroglyphica, Vriesea fosteriana, Vriesea gigantea, and their hybrids. In addition, in November I installed three 315W CMFI Grow Lights that are on for 12 hours per day to supplement our very dark winter conditions here in Ohio. This has enhanced my growing ability immensely.

So, with this in mind, let's take a look at a few species that I think are outstanding, fairly easy to grow and are uncommon in collections.

Aechmea entringeri

Aechmea entringeri grows on the ground in the Atlantic forests of Brazil in the state of Espirito Santo in the municipality of Domingos Martins at elevations of about 800 meters.

1 e-mail jerryraack@gmail.com

I collected my plant in habitat in June of 1992, while visiting Roberto Kautsky who discovered this plant in 1986. 1 know Jeffrey Kent grew this plant for a while, and may...