Bromeliad

Hi,

I was given an indoor bromeliad plant a few weeks ago as a present. I have no idea exactly what species of bromeliad i'm afraid.

When I went to water it this morning I noticed that in the centre there was a white layer that looks like it has dried into an almost powder like substance. Being the paranoid person I am i'm worrying it's some kind of poisonous spider nest that's going to eat me in my sleep D: I bought it from UK supermarket so it was probably grown in a greenhouse somewhere in the UK so it's probably unlikely.

But yeah, anyone have any idea what this actually is?

 

From what I remember many bromeliads have a white powdery coating on the leaves. As far as I know it's harmless.

 

Not all, but a fair few bromeliads have a central point which should contain water, they are often epiphytes which means they grow on trees, in the forks of the branches and as such rely on the reservoir of water in the centre.
The roots are mainly for anchorage.

It should be kept topped up with rain water.

 

Probably a Vriesia or Guzmania, a majority of Bromeliads now available very cheaply are grown from tissue culture in the far east, they are grown by the x million and are also genetic hybrids with all sorts of colours and variations of the original species. As mentioned, keep the 'vase' in the middle topped up with rain water and keep the compost in the pot just moist.
The plant itself will die off after flowering but will be replaced by young offsets.

 

Hi Kitty - and a warm welcome to the forum.

How about a picture - someone might be able to give it a name. I find that once I know the name of a plant, its easy to Google it and read more about it.

I have just acquired one or two myself and am also keen to learn more about them. As Strongy says - they must be produced by the million as they are frequently seen these days and pretty cheap.

 

Hi Kitty, welcome to the forum from another new member. I think the white power you found is probably a protective layer made by the plant. So nothing to worry about. Hope I'm right ! Bill

 

The white coating on some Broms, Vriesia, Aechmea, Neoregelia and Billbergias for example is called indumentum and helps them absorb moisture from the air. As we don't have a pic from Kitty we can't ID it for her .