Extraordinary billbergia home care, plant types, photos. How to care for Billbergia at home

General information: Bilbergia- from a genus of evergreen plants belonging to the Bromeliad family.

Perennial herbaceous flower, with an epiphytic lifestyle. Habitats in wildlife: South and Central America.

The height reaches 50-60 cm. The long leathery leaves of bilbergia form a rosette at the root.

Leaf color varies between species and different conditions growing. There are specimens with a spotted and even pinkish color.

Straight peduncles with small, inconspicuous flowers emerge from the center of the rosette, forming an inflorescence - a drooping spike.

The flowers have brightly colored (red or pink) bracts, thanks to which Billbergia began to be grown at home.

Types of Billbergia

There are several main types used at home.

Home care

The plant is grown both at home and in greenhouses. Among all types of bromeliads, Billbergia stands out for its unpretentiousness to external factors.

Location and lighting: Billbergia is a light-loving plant, but it is not recommended to place it in direct sunlight, especially in summer time. It does well in shaded areas, so can be kept away from windows. Diffused light is most favorable. For the beautiful abundant flowering, east and west windows are more suitable. The culture is resistant to drafts and loves fresh air. In summer, containers with flowers are placed in the open air.

Temperature: In summer and spring, the optimal temperature for billbergia is 20-25°C. Closer to winter, the temperature is kept at 18-20°C. Such conditions stimulate bookmarking flower buds. The flower tolerates cooler conditions well. With a short-term decrease in temperature to 3-5°C, there are no signs of deviations in growth and development. With prolonged cold spells, the plant begins to hurt and may die.

Soil and humidity: For cultivation, use ready-made soils for bromeliads, or prepare the substrate yourself. To do this, mix high-moor peat, leaf soil, humus, sand, charcoal, crushed fern roots and sphanum. The substrate must have good aeration. A drainage layer must be poured onto the bottom of the container. Billbergia can be grown on sphagum, on snags and tree cuts, imitating natural habitat. The flower easily tolerates dry conditions, but at temperatures above 23°C it is necessary to spray it, and there should always be water in the rosette of leaves.

When the air temperature drops below 20°C, or after flowering, it is advisable to remove moisture from the outlet.

Watering: Watering is done as the soil dries out. In autumn and winter, water much less than in summer. In the cold season, the substrate is allowed to dry out for a short time, and watered no more than once a week. When watering during flowering, avoid getting the flowers wet, as this will cause them to turn black. For irrigation it is necessary to use softened, settled water. room temperature.

Feeding: During the period of intensive growth (in the spring and summer months), Billbergia is fed ready-made fertilizers for bormeliaceae or orchids. You can use organic and complex mineral fertilizer, intended for others flower crops, but only with a dosage half as much as indicated on the package. The frequency of feeding is once every two weeks.

Transplantation: Transplantation is rarely used, since the roots are weak and grow slowly. Billbergia is replanted if the root system has increased significantly and does not fit in the old container. To do this, use wide, shallow containers and pots. Transplantation is carried out after complete flowering, or in March before the flowers bloom.

Reproduction: The easiest way to reproduce is basal shoots about 15 cm in size. For this, offspring are selected that have begun to form their own root system. Cuts on the shoots are sprinkled with coal. For better rooting, young plants should be heated at the bottom to 24-26°C. The most suitable month for this method breeding - March.

Billbergia can also be propagated by seeds. The rudiments are pre-soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate, then sown in a loose substrate of sphagnum and sand. The pots are covered with glass, or plastic film. For successful seed germination, you need to create wet conditions with a temperature of about 21°C and regular ventilation.

Diseases and pests: Billbergia is relatively disease resistant.
The main pests are mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. They usually affect both sides of the leaf.

Sooty fungus settles in the secretions of aphids and mealybugs.
If pests are detected, the leaves are cleaned with damp soapy or soaked boric acid napkin. If this measure is not sufficient, then the affected leaves are treated with an insecticidal preparation.

Difficulties in care:

• The appearance of light brown spots on the leaves indicates too much light. The plant must be moved to a slightly shaded place.
• If there is too much moisture or watering with hard water, the tips of the leaves become dry and brown.
• Another symptom overwatering is the death of young rosettes of leaves on plants that have not yet flowered.
• If a loose rosette is formed, or it falls to the side, it is necessary to increase the lighting.
• Yellowing of leaves and dying indicates pest infestation.

• Two months after flowering, old rosettes of leaves are carefully removed. This makes it possible long time do without a transplant.
• In one container you can combine different types billbergia, and also combined with other species (sansevieria, scindapsus, ivy). This way you can create unusual decorative compositions.

Billbergia drooping is a herbaceous perennial and belongs to the Bromeliad family and the Bromeloid subfamily. She is amazingly graceful, so she is often used as indoor plant. The flower blends harmoniously into any home interior.

The perennial is named after the Swedish botanist Gustav Johan Billberg, who lived in the eighteenth century. He first described it in his diary. There is another popular name among the people - “queen’s tears”. It was obtained from the drops of nectar released from flowers.

The plant's homeland is the subtropical regions of Central and South America. About three hundred years ago it was brought to Europe, where growing Billbergia became a hobby for the wealthy population. Now you can easily grow such a beauty at home on your windowsill.

What it looks like, features

The height of the perennial reaches 35-60 cm. There is no stem, the leaves grow directly from the root. The leaf blades are narrow, with sharp tips. There are pointed teeth along the edges. Outwardly, they resemble bulbous plants or cereals. The leaves are covered with small scales and form tubular rosettes, the purpose of which is to accumulate moisture. There are variegated and single-color options.

Actively formed side shoots, so the bush quickly acquires lushness.

The inflorescences do not look very attractive at first glance. But the bracts of crimson or Pink colour. The panicles are drooping and have a bluish color at the edges. The flowers have a wide color range from colorless to deep purple. They are attached to long peduncles and arranged in a spiral.

The flowering period first occurs at the age of two or three years. It occurs during the cold season - from October to January. For this reason, Billbergia is often used in autumn and winter interiors. At this time it is especially pleasant to enjoy the beauty of a tropical flower.

Not everyone knows, but this plant has unique properties. More details about them:

• saturation and ionization of air due to the release of special volatile substances;
• absorption loud sounds and noise.

Growing and care

Despite its exotic origin, it is a very hardy and adaptive crop. Easily adapts to almost any conditions, including home ones. She not only demands minimal care, but even forgives some mistakes. Perfect for beginners and gardeners with limited time.

Billbergia is that rare specimen that feels good both on the windowsill and in a place with poor lighting (for example, in the back of the room). Only direct sunlight is contraindicated, although by its nature the flower is light-loving. In nature it grows in the shade tropical trees. The optimal choice is light and semi-shaded locations. Here the flowering will be the most colorful.

The plant is also unpretentious to air temperature. Any premises where the temperature will not fall below 12 degrees all year round are suitable. The most comfortable range is 17-22 degrees. To stimulate flowering, experts even recommend lowering the temperature by a couple of degrees compared to normal conditions. The perennial is not afraid of drafts, but at temperatures below 12 degrees it can get sick.

Sudden temperature changes should not be allowed. This causes the plant to go into shock - the leaves wither and may fall off.

In the warm season, Billbergia grows well on open areas. Fresh air has a beneficial effect and promotes growth and accelerated flowering of young rosettes. The only condition is that the place must be protected from strong winds, scorching sun rays and precipitation.

Waterlogged soil or excessively dry soil is unacceptable. The perennial grows well in soil with average moisture content. There should be no stagnation of moisture, and the top layer of soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. The latter is carried out in a classic manner under the root. Excess liquid from the pallets must be drained to prevent rotting of the roots. The water should be soft (boiled or filtered). It is better to let it sit for at least one day. It is important not to forget that the flower is extremely sensitive to mineral salts contained in tap water.

Suitable substrates:

• ionite;
• hydroponics;
• peat;
• a mixture of moss, turf soil and peat.

Billbergias like to be sprayed. In summer, the procedure can be done several times a day. During the flowering period, it is recommended to install trays filled with moss or wet expanded clay. The fact is that excess moisture on the petals threatens the appearance of spots on them.

When watering and spraying, it is important to follow the rule - do not let water stagnate in the funnel-shaped leaves. If this happens, then the slightest unfavourable conditions will lead to a cold of the flower.

Top dressing

In the period from October to February, it will be enough to fertilize the perennial once every month and a half with a stable dose of fertilizer. IN warm season fertilizing is applied every couple of weeks from the beginning active growth until the end of the flowering period. Are used special mixtures, developed for bromeliad species. Classic options cannot be used, because excess nitrogen can destroy the plant.

Trimming

After flowering is over, old rosettes are trimmed by hand after about a month. If this is not done, then young children will grow slowly. In addition, this spectacle does not look very attractive.

Transfer

Required frequent transplantation, but not every year. The procedure is carried out as needed, there are no specific deadlines. This can be easily determined by the roots that begin to emerge from drainage holes pot.

The container for Billbergia is chosen to be large and wide, because young rosettes are constantly forming and growing. Another valid option─ tree bark. But it is only suitable for specimens accustomed to such conditions.

Reproduction

The flower reproduces in several ways. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Children

The easy way, since there are a lot planting material You can take it during a transfer. One flower produces more than ten new specimens. The lateral processes are broken out, taking the utmost care. After which, they are transplanted into pots previously filled with moist soil. Rooting requires a certain air temperature (not lower than 20 degrees), bottom heating and covering with film. Flowering can be expected 2-3 years after planting.

Seeds

The most troublesome technique of all, suitable only for experienced gardeners. If at some stage you make a small mistake, the flower simply will not grow. Seeds for planting must be fresh. After collecting, they need to be soaked in potassium permanganate (a slightly diluted solution) and dried a little.

The next stage is the preparation of special containers, which are filled with a mixture of peat and wet river sand. The seeds are pressed into pre-moistened soil to a depth of about one centimeter. The boxes should be covered with film or glass. Next, they are put in a warm, dark place for five weeks. Periodically remove the film and spray the soil to maintain optimal moisture levels and control soil condition.

In divisions

The method allows you to immediately obtain large and mature plants without a waiting period. The length of leaf cuttings should be at least twenty centimeters. Such specimens quickly take root and grow actively. The cuttings are rooted in specially prepared moist soil consisting of a mixture of coarse sand and peat. Cover the container with film or glass and place it in a warm place. Spraying is carried out regularly - every 3 days. The first roots will appear in 4 weeks.

What are the difficulties?

Basically, gardeners when growing Billbergia face the following difficulties:

1. When the soil is waterlogged, leaf rosettes rot.
2. Direct sunlight causes light brown spots to form on the leaves.
3. Due to lack of light, leaf rosettes become loose and fall apart.
4. Due to the lack of liquid, the tips of the leaves dry out.

Diseases and pests

• spider mites;
• scale insect;
• mealybugs;

They live on leaf blades and suck out the juice. Because of this, the foliage turns yellow and growth rates slow down. It is impossible to prevent the appearance of pests. To get rid of them, combined methods are suitable: removing insects using soap solutions and parallel treatment with insecticides (karbofos or actellik).

The perennial will sometimes get sick, so it is best to inspect it weekly to identify problems. Special attention should be given to the foliage (back side).

If a flower rosette rots and dries out after flowering, then you should not be alarmed. This is not a disease, but a natural process.

Why doesn't it bloom at home?

If flowers do not appear on Billbergia when grown at home, then it is probably due to a lack of light and moisture. If you keep it in diffused light and regularly spray it in the summer, then there will be no such problem.

Another common reason is that there are not enough minerals in the soil. A suitable solution is to transplant into another container with fertilized soil.

If flowering still does not occur, you can try another proven method. Place an apple, cut in half, on the ground, and cover the flower with a thin transparent bag. From created greenhouse effect the apple will begin to release ethylene, which can accelerate flowering.

The perennial is suitable for any room, especially small and medium-sized ones. Looks elegant both in a separate stand and in hanging baskets. Makes up interesting compositions with other indoor plants. In our country it is often used to create winter gardens and greenhouses.

Some Russians still believe that exotic crops are difficult to grow. Billbergia drooping is a pleasant exception. If you provide her proper care at home, you can enjoy the beauty of the plant for many years.

Billbergia is an evergreen epiphytic and terrestrial plant belonging to the Bromeliad family. Dry climates are suitable for Billbergia, and sudden changes temperature. The leaves are variegated, hard, and tube-shaped, due to which they accumulate moisture. The foliage has thorns along the edges, and the rest of the surface is covered with peculiar scaly elements. Flowers have bright color, and the type of spiral, they can be rolled up into a pipe. The plant also bears fruit in the form of berries.

Shoots periodically appear on the sides, due to this, large shrubs are formed that have separate sockets, such a plant can have a height of up to 60 centimeters. The first color ovaries appear after three years. Subsequently, after the plant fades, the rosettes die, and in their place new shoots appear, which are able to bloom by the next season. U perennial bush Many shoots may appear that are capable of producing flowers at the same time. After a couple of months from flowering, the old shoots must be cut off, thus renewing the bush.

Location and lighting

The lighting should be bright and diffused, but if summer period The sun is too active, then the shrub needs to be provided with shade; for this, the pots are placed on the windows on the east and west sides. The plant can be located on the north side, but it does not bloom. In the summer, the pots can be moved outside, as the bush needs outdoors. But at the same time it is necessary to protect it from active sun and precipitation.

Temperature

In cold times, in autumn and winter, the temperature for Bilbergia should be maintained at about 18-20 degrees. In order for flowering to occur quickly, the temperature is lowered slightly, but not below 13 degrees. The plant should not be constantly exposed to low temperatures, as this can lead to disease. In summer time optimal temperature should be 20-25 degrees.

Air humidity

The plant can exist favorably at low humidity in the room, but if the temperature exceeds 22 degrees, then spray it with settled water, since it is softer. When flowers form, the pot is placed on a special stand made of damp moss or expanded clay, but the bottom of the container itself should not stand in water.

Watering

Starting in spring and throughout the summer, the soil in the container should be moistened, but it should not be allowed to stagnate in the stand. IN winter time perform a limited number of waterings, about once a week, while the soil may dry out slightly, this is considered quite acceptable. For such procedures, the water is settled; it should also be at room temperature.

If the room temperature is above 20 degrees, then water is poured directly into the leaves. But at low temperatures or if the bushes have faded, you cannot perform such actions, otherwise it will lead to rotting.

The soil

Billbergia is not picky about the composition of the soil; you can use leaf soil, peat and humus with crushed moss. This mixture is favorable and beneficial for bushes.

Feeding and fertilizers

During the growing season, keeping it in place every 14 days, apply special fertilizers for bromilia plants; this is done on moist soil. You can also use other products for any indoor plant, which are diluted at half the norm. The nitrogen content in such products must be minimal, otherwise the plant will die.

Transfer

When the bush grows and the pot becomes too small for it, transplant it into large capacity, it should have a small depth, but a voluminous width. High-quality drainage is provided from below for good air supply to the roots and rapid removal of excess liquid.

The plant can reproduce by seeds and root suckers (babies) that grow from the root.

Propagation by seeds

Before you start sowing, the seeds must be soaked in a manganese solution and then dried well. They are sown in a mixture of peat and sand or crushed moss, and a vacuum is created from polyethylene or glass on top. The temperature should remain constant, about 21 degrees, while spraying the soil composition and ventilating. When the leaves appear, the sprouts are gradually given a dry climate. After the formation of three leaves, the plant is planted in separate containers.

Reproduction by children

The children are disconnected from the main plant in the third month, during replanting. When the babies reach a length of about 20 centimeters, they are disconnected and cut off. All cuts are covered with coal woody type and dry a little in a well-ventilated place.

To prepare the soil composition, use leaf soil, two parts sand, and one part humus. Also, the cutting can be immediately placed in the soil intended for an adult bush. In order for the children to get along well, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of 22 degrees, while heating should be from the bottom, the soil composition should be at least 25 degrees. To increase humidity, all cuttings must be covered with a jar or bag. At the same time, it should not touch the cutting itself, so several sticks are inserted into the container, onto which the bag is pulled, its edges are connected using an elastic band. The accumulated liquid will flow down the bag or jar and not into the plant, otherwise rotting may occur.

In this process, the plant needs bright diffused lighting, without the active rays of the sun, warmth, good humidity, and a soil temperature of 25 degrees.

Pots with soil can be heated using special lamps or regular ones. heating batteries. If conditions are favorable, roots will form within 30 days. At this time, it is necessary to prevent the soil composition from drying out or waterlogging; you need to periodically ventilate the shoots, that is, remove the bag for a few minutes a day. If the shoot is accepted, new green leaves appear in the center.

During replanting, old bushes can be divided; they will bloom in the next season.

• Bushes can get sunburned, with leaves turning pale brown, which means the plant needs to be moved away from the active rays of the sun.
• If the tips of the leaves darken, moisture stagnates in the funnels or the water is too hard for the plant.
• If the soil composition becomes too waterlogged, this leads to rotting and death of the bush itself and its shoots.
• With a lack of light, leafy rosettes can fall apart.

Diseases and pests

Billbergia can be attacked by pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites or scale insects. Such insects can multiply on leaves, on both sides, while yellowness appears on the greenery, and the plant dies. For prevention, it is necessary to actively monitor and inspect the plant. Insects can be removed using a soapy sponge or rag.

If the damage is significant, then it is necessary to treat by special means, that is, actellicom and karbofos. To obtain a solution, dilute about 20 drops in one liter of water. All lesions must be noticed in time, otherwise the bushes will die.

Billbergia plant - origin . Argentina, Brazil.

Description.Billbergia is one of the easiest epiphytic plants to cultivate. It has a small root system, which is mainly used for planting on tree trunks, water and nutrients the plant absorbs through the leaves. The leaves are hard, leathery, dark green, up to 38 cm long, collected in a rosette. Often the edges of the leaf blade have teeth. As the leaves grow, they gracefully bend in all directions, and the plant acquires a very elegant appearance. Only mature plants bloom in spring. The flowers come in a wide variety of shades - from pink and purple to yellow or greenish, and are surrounded by bright pink bracts.

Billbergia varieties:

Billbergia nutans

A beautiful plant with long, up to 40 cm, green, sword-shaped leaves, collected in a rosette. The leaves droop gracefully and lay their tips on the ground. The flower stalks are bright pink, curved in the form of an arch, and bear several flowers with long yellow stamens at the tops. The flowers are pink, purple, yellow or green and surrounded by red or pink bracts.

Height. 60 - 80 cm.

Bilbergia care

Temperature conditions . This plant is demanding when it comes to temperature. Temperature conditions should vary depending on the time of year. In summer, 18 - 27º C is optimal. In autumn, winter and cool spring months, the plant requires 16 - 24º C. During cold winter, it tolerates 4ºC, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures will affect flowering next year.

Billbergia at home - lighting. Bright, reflected light. When kept on fresh air during the warm season, place the plant in partial shade. If exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves may become sunburned.

How to care for Billbergia. Billbergias are unpretentious indoor plants, but they also require certain knowledge. The plant can be further stimulated to flower using magnesium sulfate added to water or fertilizer. Can be put ripe apple into the pot and keep the plant under plastic bag within a week or two. At the same time, a gas is formed inside, which encourages the billbergia to bloom. Try to take Billbergia outside in the warm season, taking care of shelter from wind and rain.

Substrate. A mixture for orchids with the addition of perlite and pine bark is suitable.

Top dressing. 2 times a month in spring and summer, balanced liquid fertilizer at half dosage. In autumn - winter period- monthly. Use fertilizer sprays as plants absorb nutrients through their leaves.

Purpose. Can long time grow without natural light, which makes it possible to use them for landscaping rooms without windows (halls, corridors, bathrooms, etc.). It is recommended to use as a light source for the listed crops fluorescent lamps, which should be turned on for 14 - 16 hours a day.

Billbergia flowering time. Most plants bloom without additional stimulation in late March or early April. Flowering lasts 6 - 8 weeks. Plants bloom for the first time at the age of 2 - 3 years.

Air humidity. Moderate. Browning leaf tips indicate dry air. Spray the plant from time to time.

Soil moisture. Billbergia gets most of its moisture from the air and directly from the leaves and flowers. During the summer months, leaves, flowers and roots should be watered daily. During the dormant period, water fairly moderately. In summer, softened water at room temperature can be placed in the center of the outlet.

Billbergia transplant. Young plants are replanted every year. Never replant a plant while it is flowering.

Reproduction. After flowering, you can separate side shoots at least 15 cm high and place them in new pot, where they will take root within a few weeks. Seeds.

Pests and diseases of Billbergia. How to make Billbergia bloom? If the billbergia does not bloom, it may be due to lack of light - move it to a brighter room. The leaves turn red when exposed to direct sunlight. At insufficient humidity air, the tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown.

Note. New shoots appear several times a year, and bright flowers Plant lovers will appreciate it. On average, a plant lives in a house for about 3 years.

Hydroponics.Grows well in hydroponics.

To summarize - 7 secrets of success:

1. Growing temperature: summer - 18 - 27° C, autumn and winter - 16 - 24° C.
2. Lighting: a well-lit place with shade from direct sunlight.
3. Watering and air humidity: in spring and summer, watering should be abundant and regular; in the winter months, the frequency of watering is reduced in accordance with the temperature of the content; air humidity should be increased in the warm months.
4. Trimming: Mainly sanitary - remove old yellowed leaves to maintain an attractive appearance.
5. Priming: must have an acidic pH, a loose porous and nutritious substrate is suitable.
6. Top dressing: in warm months we feed it every 2 weeks with mineral fertilizers.
7. Reproduction: daughter plants, which sometimes appear around the mother, sowing seeds in the spring.

In order to indoor flowers looked well-groomed and attractive, and were not sick at all, you need to organize a proper search for them. After all different cultures need different locations, different watering regimes and soil. Features of care largely depend on where indoor plants came to us from. So, for example, residents of the tropics prefer high humidity environment, and cannot grow in dry areas. Today we will talk about a plant such as billbergia, discuss how to care for it at home, and provide a photo of such a plant.

Billbergia is a member of the Bromiliaceae family. It came to us from the subtropical regions of Central and South America. These regions are characterized by drought and rather sharp changes in temperature. IN room conditions often grown drooping billbergia, which is an epiphyte. It forms an elongated rosette of many narrow leaves. Its leaves are linear and thin at the end, their length can reach seventy centimeters and the width is one to two centimeters. There are spines on the edges of the leaves. The leaves are colored green color, if the flower comes under intense lighting, their color changes slightly towards reddish or bronze. A thin long peduncle appears on the plants, it looks drooping, and there are pink bracts on it. Flowering occurs in the cold season.

In the photo there is a drooping Billbergia

Such plants are not distinguished by their increased love of light, but readers of Popular About Health are better off growing them in bright diffused light. In the summer heat, it is necessary to organize shading for the Billbergia from the direct rays of the midday sun. If the sun shines directly on the leaves, they may become burned. It is believed that optimal place Growing such a flower is an eastern or western window.

In principle, the plant can feel normal on the north side, but it will not bloom. It is even allowed to grow Billbergia in the back of rooms.
Such a pet is not afraid of drafts, so in the summer it would be a good idea to take it out into the garden, protecting it from precipitation and from exposure to direct rays of the sun. Such manipulation can stimulate flowering, especially in young Billbergias.

Air temperature requirements

This indoor plant is not very capricious. In the autumn-winter period, it is usually kept at room temperature of eighteen to twenty degrees. To stimulate flowering, it would be a good idea to slightly reduce the temperature, but it should not fall below thirteen degrees. If the flower is in a cooler room, it may suffer.

As for the optimal summer temperature, it is twenty to twenty-five degrees.

Ambient humidity

Billbergia tolerates well average humidity air in the apartment. However, if temperatures exceed twenty-two degrees, it is worth spraying using soft, settled water. At the flowering stage experienced flower growers It is recommended to place the pot with Billbergia on a tray filled with damp moss or expanded clay. But the bottom of the pot should not touch the water.

Optimal watering

During the active growing season, you need to keep the soil in the pot with Billbergia constantly moist. But at the same time, it is extremely important to ensure that the water does not stagnate in the pan. If you are organizing a cool winter for the plant, limit watering somewhat to once a week. The soil should dry out a little.
Watering should be done with soft and settled water. It is best for it to be at room temperature.

Top dressing

In your care for Bilbergia for her successful growth and development, you need to add fertilizing once every two weeks. For this you should use special fertilizers, intended for bromeliads. Other compositions for flowering plants would also be a good option. indoor crops, but they need to be used at half the dosage. It is worth considering that the selected mixture must contain a minimum amount of nitrogen, since its excess can lead to the death of the plant.

Transfer

It is necessary to transfer drooping billbergia to a new soil mixture only when the bush has greatly increased in size or when the roots begin to crawl out beyond its boundaries. In this case, it is advisable to give preference to not deep, but rather wide containers.

When transplanting, it is extremely important to organize pet sufficient drainage layer.

As for the characteristics of the soil, Billbergia is not very capricious in this matter. To grow it, you can combine leaf soil with high-moor peat and humus, and also add river sand and chopped sphagnum moss.

When grown at home, Billbergia is quite resistant to various diseases. However, it can sometimes be attacked by pests represented by scale insects, mealybug, aphids and spider mite. To eliminate aggressors, it is worth washing the leaves of the plant. soap solution. It is also necessary to treat your pet with insecticides, for example, actellik or karbofos.

In fact, Billbergia drooping is considered quite unpretentious plant. And even novice gardeners can easily grow it in their apartment.