Do you always have Bromeliads in the shop?
Yes, always. My father, who opened the shop 50 years ago, was crazy about them too. In those days he organised lots of exhibitions on behalf of a leading Bromeliad breeder.

What is it that you like so much about Bromeliads?
Their colours and the fact that they are so long lasting. They are also very versatile. I use them everywhere: in plant arrangements, flower arrangements and bouquets; even in wedding flowers.

Which is your favourite Bromeliad?
My current favourite is Nidularium ‘Fire Ball’, but I also like the grey leafed Tillandsias and the variegated varieties.

Where do you stand the Bromeliads in the shop?
Everywhere; mostly in a pot or vase. I often tie them to small trunks using florists wire and a little moss. This works really well and is also the way they grow in the wild. I also use them as cut flowers in bouquets. Sometimes I use a whole plant for this.

What tips for care do you pass on to your customers?
I tell them to pour water into the ‘cup’ of those varieties that have one and to spray the grey leaved ones occasionally. The plant can go outdoors in summer. They last for up to six months.

Have you any tips for your colleagues?
Just try things out. This is an ideal plant for giving and suits both traditional and contemporary interiors. You can even take them to pieces and use the different elements in wedding flowers.

Birds nest A cry for attention Tillandsia cyanea ‘Anita’ (7367) in a ‘nest’ of Cryptanthus (9218).	Cute set Ananas porteanus ‘Esmeralda’ (28328) looks even more attractive next to the variegated stripes of Vriesea ‘Splenriet’ (6572).
‘Jumping Fire’ (26519) Vriesea with orange and red, strongly branching flower.	‘Soledo’ (18493) Guzmania with a broad, red and yellow flower.
‘Bolero’ (21007) Guzmania with a unique, white flower.	‘Sunstar’(13457) Red and yellow Guzmania with white variegated leaves
‘Jack Kuranda’ (26522) Deep purple Guzmania with yellow variegated leaves.	‘Elyne Green’ (26054) Decorative mini pineapple.