Ananas onnosus is another member of the bromeliad family and is interesting as a pot plant mainly because it is sold while bearing fruit. The plant itself is not particularly attractive and is possibly one of the least beautiful of all the fascinating bromeliads. The fruit, however, is a very strong selling point as far as the nurseryman is concerned, so they are produced in reasonably large quantities annually. Treatment and conditions are similar to those recommended for the aechmea, but the compost will require to be kept a little moister.
Propagate by cuttings about 5 in. in length, preferably in spring, but non-flowering top cuttings should present little difficulty at any time provided there is a warm, close atmosphere in which to house them.
When cuttings have become established, pot them up in 3A-in. pots using a Mixture of equal parts J.I.P.2 compost and coarse peat. Following this the cuttings may be treated in various ways, but one has only to see them form a well-filled hanging basket to realise that this is by far the best effect likely to be achieved.
There are many schools of thought and we are often advised to keep the plant in leaf throughout the year by keeping the compost moist, but it seems that the best flowering results are obtained by allowing the plant to rest. Plants need about two months’ rest from the end of August, and it is particularly important to encourage them gently into new growth, as too much water will often result in the production of early leaves at the expense of flowers.
New plants may he raised from seed, but it is a slow business, taking at least three years before flowers can be expected. New plants may also be raised vegetatively by teasing apart the scales of mature bulbs, ensuring that part of the tough section at the base of the bulb is attached, and planting them in peaty compost.
Propagation is effected in a slightly different way to that described for the aechmea – in fact, there are a number of methods, although not all are satisfactory. As the fruit matures (a stout cane will be needed to hold it in position) a number of voting plantlets will be produced around the top of the actual fruit. Allow these to attain reasonable size before removing and placing them in a warm propagating bed of peat and sand. However, do not expect too much from this method as these young plants frequently lose all their chlorophyll and eventually rot and die.
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