bromeliads in cycad pots

[SFloridacollector]

One day I stuck a bromeliad pup in a pot with a cycad. A year later they seemed happy together and I had an idea that if I grow groundcover type bromeliads such as Neo 'Zoe' in the pots with my cycads from arid places that the bromeliad cups will take most of the light rain that I get in Florida and keep the cycads a bit dryer.

One problem I foresee is that bromeliad foliage could reduce air circulation around the caudex of the cycad.

Here's a picture of how this experiment has begun.

[Walter John]

Cool idea..

[MattyB]

Yeah, interesting. Symbiotic.

[virtualpalm]

I think your theory is sound. I would just be careful about over-crowding right next to the caudex (as you mentioned) or using bromeliads that are larger than the cycads. Also keep in mind that as long as the soil that you use is well-draining, cycads -- even the blue encephs -- don't actually mind a fair amount of water during the summer. I firmly believe that under-watering is more likely to cause rot and eventual death than over-watering (assumingthe soil drains well).

Jody