Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus interaction on ornamental bromeliad

This study aimed to evaluate the growth and development of the ornamental silver vase bromeliad (Aechmea fasciata) with different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Silver vase bromeliad plants were submitted to a combined fertilization regime of nitrogen (4.0, 14.5 or 25 mM N) and phosphorus (0.1, 1.1 or 2.1 mM P) based on modified HA (Hoagland and Arnon, 1950) through ionically balanced solutions. Plant biometric (height and number of leaves) and biomass (fresh and dry mass) variables were analyzed, as well as both macro- and micronutrient contents in leaves. The nutritional analysis showed that N and P levels in leaves increase as the concentrations of N and P increase in HA solutions. Plant height, number of leaves, total and leaves fresh and dry mass increase as N concentration increases in HA. The increase of P in the nutrient solution augmented P content in leaves; however, such increase did not promote an increase in biomass or biometry. The optimal N concentration in HA solution was 14.5 mM. Nitrogen was found to be more limiting to silver vase bromeliad growth and development than phosphorus.