Propagating the bromeliads

Today was the day for propagating the bromeliads by splitting away the offsets from the old rosette.  We prepared a mix of well drained compost using our standard compost mix but adding extra sieved leaf mould and extra gritsand to ensure good drainage. We selected the best fifteen offsets and planted them up. We have now covered them with a sheet of polythene to retain the moisture and will wait for them to strike roots and grow. We will keep them where they will be warm but out of direct sunlight. Fifteen is more than we will need here at “Detached” so there will be some available for Serpentine, for volunteers or, in due course, visitors.