I notice that they grow more easily on the tropical coastal areas of north qld but don't seem to grow and flower so well at higher altitude on the Tablelands behind the coast. I am wondering if I have them in the wrong position.
They are normally found growing within the canopy of tree tops, as they are an epiphytic species, meaning they will feed by attaching to the bark of other trees. This will mean that it is normally in dappled shade under the canopy. They will easily get burned in full sun.
As far as altitude goes... I don't believe that this will be an issue. They can be found growing in all altitudes. I do believe that there could be a difference in humidity, temperature, or sunlight.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm
in a shallow glass container....I have since transplanted the two potted plants.The bromelaid however I transplanted this last we ek, but it's red flowery top is looking like it's dying; though the leaves below look happy. I put it in a regular small pot wi th regular potting soil, and placed it in good lighting inside.....but I don't know how to keep it alive,and thriving? Do I cut off the red top, and let it start over; or do I repot it to a shallow container with a special soil... What do I do now to bring this plant back to thriving?
This is the one I would suspect of dying first. This is an epiphyte, meaning it lives on other tree species. You have to, almost, treat them like orchids. They will do best in an orchid or cactus mix.
The flowering top will not last very long. In fact, the entire plant will die off, but before then, it should produce one or more offsets that can be split off and transplanted.
I would suggest putting this in an orchid mix. and keeping it in bright, but indirect sunlight. It helps to feed every month with an orchid feed as well.
Can they be planted outside in Florida?
There are many different types of plants in the bromeliad family, several which can grow very well outdoors in Florida. This article may help:
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm
I have a bromiliad growning out doors in all day shade. Seems to be healthy bit never a trace of a floswer. I know nothing about them. Need info.i.e. how to do it!
Bromeliads only bloom once in their lifetime, so if yours has ever produced a flower, it won't flower again. If it's never flowered, follow the advice in this article to try to encourage it:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/getting-bromeliads-to-bloom.htm
The bromeliad image on your page (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm) --- what is it? I purchased one but it had no tag to identify.
5-5-2017 Hello, I have my first bromeliad and it was beautiful about a month ago when we got it home with a yellow flower in the middle. It has turned brown now and appears to be drying and dying. How do I know if my entire plant is dying or just the flower stalk? Does the plant continue to grow new flower stalks or only the 1? Please advise me as to how to proceed. Thank you very much in advance!!! Have a great day! Tori CC
A Bromeliad only blooms once and then the plant is essentially done with it's life cycle. If your plant does produce a 'pup', you can propagate and start with a new plant.
These links will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/bromeliad-care-after-flowering.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-pups.htm
5/10/2017 This is the 2nd request for information from your site......below is my original inquiry from 5/5.....I was hoping that you would be able to reply to me in a much more timely manner......Please.....thank you!! .............................. 5-5-2017 Hello, I have my first bromeliad and it was beautiful about a month ago when we got it home with a yellow flower in the middle. It has turned brown now and appears to be drying and dying. How do I know if my entire plant is dying or just the flower stalk? Does the plant continue to grow new flower stalks or only the 1? Please advise me as to how to proceed. Thank you very much in advance!!! Have a great day! Tori CC
We answered your email question on May 11.
You may want to check your junk mail box, that happens sometimes.
I have copied my answer from the previous email.
Your plant is actually ending it's lifecycle. Bromeliads are often sold in store all ready in full bloom. The plant actually begins to die when the flower fades. Often time the plant will produce a pup or off spring plant that can be propagated.
This link has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm