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Pink Bomarea

Bomarea edulis

 Plant your seeds immediately for the best germination rate

Seed pre-treatment -- Rinse your seeds under water before planting, being careful not to drop the seeds down the drain!

Use a separate, 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) pot for each seed. Fill each pot with a mix of 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite, and water it until evenly moist.  Put a seed on top and cover with about 1/4 inch (6 cm) of soil. Water the top soil until moist.

Keep the pot in an area that will stay at 60-75 degrees F (15-23° C) during the day, and 55-70 F (12-21°C) at night. Keep the soil surface from drying out, possibly by placing a plastic bag over the pots, or enclosing them in a plastic dome.  Punch a few small holes in the bag or dome to allow some fresh air in.  If you use a heating mat, check the soil temperature, as heat mats can sometimes overheat the soil.

They should start sprouting after 5 to 7 weeks.  Most of the seeds should sprout by week 10, but if any do not, move the pots into the refrigerator for 6 weeks.  Enclose the pots in a sealed bag, and and check them after a week, to see if any have sprouted.  They should sprout within 6 weeks after removing them from the refrigerator.

Light -- Bomarea comes from the forests, where it gets tree-filtered sun most of the time.  It should be protected from strong sun exposure.  Filtered sun is best.  It does not need a whole lot of sun to be happy, just bright light.

Transplanting -- When the 2nd or 3rd shoot appears, you may transplant it to a larger container.  Work your way up to a larger pot as it grows, eventually to a 5-10 gallon (20-40 liter) pot. 

Water the soil before repotting, and try not to let the soil ball break apart. Always shade the plant from prolonged sun for a week after transplanting, and do not feed during this time either.

Soil -- Bomarea likes humus-rich, well-draining soil.  Most high-quality potting soils should work, with 1 part perlite (or pumice) added for every 2 parts soil.  Avoid adding lime, since Bomarea likes slightly acid soil.

Watering -- Bomarea likes soil that's evenly moist, but not soggy.  The soil should not be allowed to dry out.  If your tap water is high in minerals and other chemicals, use rain water or bottled water.

Climate -- This species is happiest in temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees F (7-29°C), preferably with cooler nights.  It warmer climates, don't plant it where heat can collect, like against a sunny wall.  Mulch the plant to keep the roots cool and moist.  Shade the pot to keep it cool, or at least avoid using a black pot, which can overheat.    

The roots can probably handle temps in the low 20s (-6°C), but the leaves will perish.  I recommend protecting the plant from all frost the first winter so it can become established.

Fertilizing --  During periods of active growth, give feedings with an all-purpose fertilizer, following the label's recommended dosage carefully.

It's normal for a few of the older leaves to yellow and die throughout the year, but if it seems excessive, it could be from not enough fertilizer (nitrogen) or under-watering.  

Up and away -- Bomarea likes to climb, so give it something to play on, like a trellis, fence, or another plant.  Under 1/2" is the preferred thickness, so it can twine itself around easier.  Don't prune your plant (unless a shoot dies back), but you may wrap any long shoots around your trellis. The flowers appear from the growing tips, so do not trim any shoots.   

Dormancy -- This Bomarea tends to die back at least partially in the winter if grown outdoors.  You may snip off any dead shoots, however don't dig up the tubers, as this may stress the plant.

Pests to watch for -- Snails and slugs can be a problem in prone areas.  Watch for aphids or other bugs, depending on your area.

Feel free to email if you have any questions.

Good growing!

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