Transform your yard with bromeliads in trunks

One step into Rehema Namara’s compound and one is welcomed by spectacular scenery.

There is an array of colourful bromeliads mounted on trunks and tree stumps.

The plants colour up the rustic appearance of the trunks as they make a statement about the home.

From green, red, maroon to patterned foliage, some are plain but with colorful tips, they make the home located in Naalya on the outskirts of Kampala enviable.

“Bromeliads give off a striking look wherever you plant them; either in pots or hanging baskets on balconies. I chose to plant some on trunks,” Namara says.

What are bromeliads?

Bromeliads are fascinating plants. They are both edible and ornamental.

They look like a pineapple plant. In fact the pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a bromeliad.

Bromeliads are epiphytic plants. This means that they grow on other plants, but they are not parasitic.

They are just like ferns and orchids. You can also call them air plants because they can survive without soil and need little water.

Usually, bromeliads survive in the wild by attaching themselves to tree canopies, cacti and rocks.

They simply collect water or organic matter that falls onto their leaves.

On the other hand, they can also grow in the ground. However, ensure the soil is free-draining lest the roots rot.

How to prepare the trunk

Namara says she buys the tree trunks from firewood suppliers.

She prefers the mugavu species for its durability.

“The cost depends on the size and appearance of the trunk. I buy them at about sh80,000 upwards,” she says.

At home, Namara disinfects the trunk with hot water. She pours it all over it to kill any harmful insects or pests.

When it dries, she uses a paint brush to smear it with wood oil which is available in hardware stores.

To dry faster, she adds spinner. However, Namara notes that some people disinfect the tree trunks with paraffin by smearing it all over the trunk.

But a trunk that has been disinfected with paraffin should be kept for over two months before use.

Plant the bromeliads

Namara ensures to source for trunks with pockets. If the holes are small, you can create a bigger pocket to accommodate the base of the plant.

After wrapping the root system lightly in moss or coconut fibre, fastens the plant on the trunk with plastic-coated wire or a soft tie until the plant has established its roots firmly.

“I also use nails shaped in U form, bowties and plastic seals to mount them,” she adds.

Another planting media can be sawdust but not soil. Put it in the hole and add a plant. After this, use a spray to water the plants.

How to propagate bromeliads

Bromeliads give off colorful blooms, but the plant slowly dies after the bloom.

Luckily, it replaces itself with offsets, known as pups, which rise from the base or from in between the leaves of the mother plant.

To propagate, detach them from their mother and grow them on the trunk or in the pot.

Maintenance

Bromeliads are resilient plants that do not take a lot of your time to maintain.

Most importantly, they do not need a lot of water. Over watering kills them gradually.

On hot days, Namara waters twice a day and in the wet season, she can go for days without watering.

“If the bromeliads are in the ground, water only when the soil’s surface is dry,” she advises.

While watering, add a small amount of water to the centre of the plant’s overlapping leaves.

Worry not about spraying because bromeliads are rarely attacked by pests.

Their biggest problem is overwatering.

Meanwhile, there are a wide range of bromeliads such as Guzmania or Vriesea and spanish moss.

Others are; Neoregelia, Tillandsia, Billbergia, Dyckia and Aechema which tolerate full sun.

Facts about bromeliads

*There are more than 2,700 known varieties of bromeliads.

*They have no seasons, but bloom all year round

*Bromeliads can also be grown indoors, but in consistent warm temperatures.

*Majority bloom just once and die, but the mother plant will produce pups.

*The leaves take in all the water and nutrients the plant needs.

*Roots are just used for balance, not for transferring nutrients.