How Do You Force Blooms With Calcium Carbide?

Bromeliads are a class of plants used in both landscaping and as houseplants. They produce large, spiky clusters of tiny colorful flowers. These clusters, called infloresence, can bloom for months on end, but they also can take a long time to reach the point of blooming. You can force bromeliads to bloom using just a little knowledge of their structure and the chemical compound calcium carbide. Purchase some calcium carbide. It is readily available at most drug stores. Locate the vase or rosette formed by the plant's leaves. A bromeliad takes in most of its moisture by absorbing the water collected in the vase formed by its leaves. Add a quarter of an ounce of calcium carbide to a quart of warm water and mix well. Pour the water into the bromeliad's vase, and allow it to sit for 24 hours. Drain the mixture from the vase and refill it with fresh water. Use filtered water for the best results. Wait four to eight weeks to see the infloresence on your bromeliad begin to bloom.  more