Posts: 28
Threads: 4
Joined: Mar 2011
Hi everyone,
I have finally started to get some growth with my bromeliads and am wondering how to deal with new shoots coming out of my bromeliads. I am wondering what other people do in the hobby. Do you cut off new shoots or let them just grow. At what point can you cut off new shoots?
thank you!
1.1.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius "surinam cobalt" CB
1.1.1 Dendrobates Auratus "Panamanian green and bronze" CB
Posts: 10,392
Threads: 872
Joined: Oct 2008
Let em grow if you want. That's natural and broms look so much healthier and beautiful when there are numerous offshoots. The only time I consider cutting the brown stems of the pups is when the growth is so crazy as to 'outgrow' the vivarium and that usually takes 3-5 years.
Posts: 633
Threads: 20
Joined: Apr 2012
I think the general rule is to cut when the pup is at least half the size as the mother. My usual routine is to cut the pups off when they get in the way (mine seem to have a talent for sticking a pup on a stem such that the pup ends up hitting the front glass and interfering with the door).
Posts: 28
Threads: 4
Joined: Mar 2011
Thank you both chuck and Phil for the reply. Do either of you, or anyone else do anything special to maintain bromeliads? I was wondering if bromeliads can absorb nutrients from dead insects such as flies and isopods that fall into the centers of the plants? If so does anyone think it is beneficial to intentionally put ff's or springtails or whatever into the centers of a bromeliad to give it extra nutrients?
1.1.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius "surinam cobalt" CB
1.1.1 Dendrobates Auratus "Panamanian green and bronze" CB
Posts: 10,392
Threads: 872
Joined: Oct 2008
No need for added nutrients. There will be occasional FF and microfauna that will die in the axils on their own.
Posts: 28
Threads: 4
Joined: Mar 2011
Thanks for the insight Chuck. Also, very nice plant collection. Looks great!
1.1.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius "surinam cobalt" CB
1.1.1 Dendrobates Auratus "Panamanian green and bronze" CB