Bromeliad (Nidularium sp.)

Nidularia are epiphytic bromeliads suited to use in forest set ups. They can be grown attached to rocks or branches, or in a well drained soil. Planting these plants in waterlogged conditions will cause them to quickly rot as their roots are used for attachment rather than collecting water or nutrients. These plants prefer light shade and are easily scorched by hot lights so be sure to plant them in a fairly bright position, but with some shading from direct light. Most of the water and nutrients these plants require are absorbed by the leaves in the centre of the leaf whorl, where it forms a natural bowl. This central cup needs to be kept filled with water, which will happen naturally with spray systems. The occasional dead insect or frog dropping will decompose to provide nutrients, or you can use a weak foliar fertilizer. As the plant mature it will produce arching stolon's with a young plant at the end and they can form large attractive clumps over time. When supplied as 12cm pots then the plants will be larger with stolons and multiple off shoots.