There was a bromeliad, who lived in a shoe...

Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)

9 years ago

This bromeliad was gorgeous in her day.

She had a bright, hot pink center and I just had to have her. She was pink, ya know.

I had seen her a few days before... couldn't forget her... finally went back and made the purchase.

Early this spring, I separated five, grown pups - yes, FIVE. Wow, how nice to have five more exactly like Mom!

Should I put her down? She looked exhausted.

I thought surely she was dead.

She was a hot mess. A mere shell of her former glory.

But potted her back up in fresh soil, in case she could give me jusssssst onnnnnnne more.

Yesterday, I walked by Sick Bay. I thought, "I'll reclaim that pot and soil. Nothing happening there." Then I took a closer look... and started laughing out loud. Unbelievable.

Carol in Jacksonville

Here is a link that might be useful: Shoe reference

This post was edited by love_the_yard on Thu, May 15, 14 at 20:42

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Comments (6)

whgille
9 years ago
Hi Carol

What a wonderful story! my kind...and I remember about the old lady that lived in a shoe, I heard that a long time ago.:)
I have a bromeliad too that I thought it was dead but it has new pups now, yours is very pretty!

Silvia
Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)
Original Author
9 years ago
Silvia, aren't they amazing? I am especially fond of Neos (neoregelias). Mine could hardly look any worse. Who would think to do anything but put it in the compost pile? Where am I going to put this eyesore while reproducing?!

Carol
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cocoabeachlorax
9 years ago
Love stories like these !
bradisha
9 years ago
That why I love bromeliads so much-they never stop giving! Lovely story Carol
ibarbidahl
9 years ago
SWEET! I'd just trim up all the dead stuff and stick it somewhere tucked in. Looks like you'll have a load of them soon!
Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)
Original Author
9 years ago
For any new gardeners or those unfamiliar with bromeliads: pups don't have the color of their mothers until they are fully mature. Here are two of the pups that were removed in January. They will slowly color up during this year and will be brilliant next year.

Carol

This post was edited by love_the_yard on Tue, May 20, 14 at 20:40