Home	Strange Wonderful Things Rare and exotic plants & seeds

Pink Bomarea

Bomarea edulis

 Please be careful removing your plant from its packaging

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.

Transplanting -- Bomarea is sensitive to having its roots disturbed, so transplant carefully.  Transfer it to a 1-2 gallon container, which will hold it for a few months.  Do not compact the soil after transplanting.  Water it in but do not feed until the plant puts out new growth.  By the second season it should be moved to a 5-10 gallon pot.  If you plan on exposing the plant to frost, bury the roots 6" under the soil, otherwise 3-4" is fine.

Watering -- Bomarea likes soil that's evenly moist, but not soggy.  The soil should not be allowed to dry out.  Tap water can be high in minerals and other chemicals, so i recommend using bottled water or rain water for at least the first few months.  Then you can switch to tap water, provided that you don't use a water-softening filter like Brita or Pür, which add sodium (harmful to the plant).

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

Climate -- Bomarea prefers temperatures between 40 and 85 degrees.  The roots can probably handle temps in the low 20s, but the leaves will perish.  I recommend protecting the plant from all frost the first winter so it can become established.

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.    

Fertilizing --  During periods of active growth, give feedings with ordinary, complete fertilizer, following the label's recommended dosage carefully.  Remember not to feed for 2 weeks after transplanting.  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 branch dies back), but you can wrap any long strands around your trellis. The flowers appear from the growing tips.   

Dormancy -- This Bomarea tends to die back at least partially in the winter.  You may snip off any dead shoots, however don't dig up the bulbs, 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!

Strange Wonderful Things