Growing Bromeliads

John Skillcorn

Edited by Barry Williams and Ian Hodgson
Publisher: Christopher Helm, London; Timber Press, Portland, Oregan
ISBN: 0-7136-8069-5
Price: £17.95

The Publisher says:
The bromeliad family is one of the most versatile families of the whole plant kingdom - its members are found in an astonishing range of habitats from tropical rainforests to desert regions. Varying in size from five centimetres to three metres, some eke out a precarious existence by clinging to the branches; others grow on the ground. Leaves and flowers appear in a wide range of colours and shapes, adding to their unique charm.

Written by a team of bromeliad experts, this book is for the increasing number of growers who wish to cultivate these fascinating plants. Information includes an overview of the bromeliad family and its generic members, their natural history, where and how to grow the most popular species, biology, propagation and hybridisation. Each genus is treated separately, with details of appearance, natural habitat, growing conditions and cultivation.

There are also notes on lesser known genera and lists of bromeliad nurseries and societies. The use of scientific language has been kept to a minimum and technical terms are explained in a glossary. Richly illustrated and highly authoritative, this book provides a fully comprehensive handbook to growing these remarkable plants.

My comments:
I've had this book for ages, and it's very strange that I've not mentioned it before on this Website.  Although the price tag is almost eighteen quid, I got it for a ridiculously low price - something like a fiver if I remember rightly.

The book is an absolute wealth of information about bromeliads.  These are the plants that many species of our Dendrobatid frogs use for rearing their tadpoles, and as such are (in some instances) an essential requirement to successful breeding.  Hence, we have to grow them alongside keeping our frogs.

It covers every group of bromeliads, from Ananas to Vriesia, and has a special chapter on lesser known genera such as Puya and Pitcairnia.

I can't say any more than look for it.  And when you find it, buy it.  I strongly suspect, though, that it's out of print.