Exotic Plant - How to care for my exotic plant?

Question

Ive just purchased an exotic plant from the local supermarket, i havn't a clue what type it is or how to look after it as there were no instructions! it just caught my eye and i had to buy it

I just need to know weather it needs to be in direct sunlight or not and how often to water it? and also what type of plant it is and maybe i can read up on this type or if anyone has any tips on caring for it, thanks

here is a picture of it

http://i11.tinypic.com/2gsinhv.jpg

Answer 1

Looks like some kind of bromeliad. Keep in a warm, humid, place. Lots of water is a good idea and it keep it out of direct sunlight.

Additional note:

Umm OK. Why the thumbs down already? Perhaps I should have answered it more affirmatively... That IS definitely a bromeliad. But don't take my word for it, do some research on "bromeliad" and see for yourself and then decide if it's a crappy answer. If anyone else can identify this plant as anything else then go ahead and say what it is. I don't mind being wrong but I get pissed whenever a decent answer gets a thumbs down and no one explains why. ;)

Answer 2

You have a Bromeliad. They are long lasting, do not need a lot of sunlight as they grow under the tree canopy in the wild.
Do not water the soil in the pot but keep the "cup" in the centre of the plant 1/2 full of water.
As time goes on, you will notice "pups" growing beside the big plant.
These are the new plants coming and although it takes a long time... eventually the plant you bought will die ( after it is finished blooming) and the new Pups will take over.
Enjoy!!

Answer 3

It is a kind of succulent. Keep away from direct sunlight but in a well lit spot (not on a window sill). Water moderately once a week. Do not let it stand in water or it will rot. A bit of neglect won't harm it . It is quite a tough customer. I keep mine in the loo and it has doubled in size.

PS.Written a day later.
The first answer given to your question was absolutely correct and since it was the first off the mark deserves the 10 points for best answer. The thumbs down must be an error.

Answer 4

I love bromeliads......if I am careful and keep the urn (center of the plant) with water in it) I usually can keep the bloom about 3-6 months in the house. After the bloom goes away, keep the plant and start looking for the little plants growing up beside the mother plant....separate each from the mother and put each in separate pots for bloom to come...how much fun

Answer 5

Don't put it in direct sun light, water it regularly and keep it in a warm bright place, feed it once a week with food plant. That type of plant is not difficult to look after

Answer 6

It definately a bromeliads, and it one of my favourite type of plats. IT very easy to handle (since i'm in the tropical climate). If you happen to stay out of this type of climatic, just make sure the condition are similar with the tropical climate, all of above saying about there caring are right. One extra note is that different type of bromeliad produce their pup/flower in different period, some growth yearly some monthly. Your properly monthly period. Combine it with some leaf type plant it should look better! :) Deco it as it became the focal point!.

Answer 7

Go to BBC gardening and use there AZ plant index. or to the RH'S and use their AZ plant index. If you want to take a slight risk with your plant put it in a light place, not in the window because it will get cold in the night. Water it a little if it seems dry, then By observation see how much water it needs during the Winter, more in the summer.

Answer 8

Beautiful Bromeliad. Perfect spot for it (picture) water it from the top, down the spout, they love the extra humidity. When the flower dies, the mother plant will begin to decline (die) BUT the good news is as she dies, she will put out "pups" around her base. These pups can be planted separately.

I, too, have to stay away from plants in stores because they speak to me too, "buy me! No, buy me!"

Answer 9

yes it does appear to be some form of bromilad have had similar plants and disagree with some answers just water when soil is dry keep indoors as its tropical and to cold here for outside use find these plants actually thrive on neglect don't like over watering..... feed and water mostly in growing season neglect when they are resting I know but its worked for me

Answer 10

it it most definitly a bromeliad,vriesia flaming torch. indirect sun to shade,water when u see no water in the center of the plant,or cup as its called