Conservation of the Bromelia and Costa Rican rainforest: our collaboration with the Bromelia Specialist
Discover our special partnership with the Bromelia Specialist, where passion for the Bromelia plant and the conservation of Costa Rican rainforest come together. For three years, the Bromelia Specialist has supported the work of Adopteer Regenwoud in protecting the origins of the Bromelia plant, while providing Europe with the most beautiful Bromelia products.
Behind the scenes at the Bromelia Specialist
Step inside the green oasis of the Bromelia Specialist in De Kwakel, where passion for plants comes to life. As a leading expert in breeding, production and distribution of Bromelia articles, they are the beating heart of the European market. Meet Wendy Klein, the inspired marketing manager who takes us through their commitment to the conservation of the Bromelia plant in Costa Rica. “Our partnership with Adopteer Regenwoud fits perfectly with our mission to protect and preserve the genetic diversity of the Bromelia.”
The origins of the Bromelia
The historical roots of the Bromelia lie in the lush jungles of Central and South America. Aware of the threats posed by deforestation, the idea of collaborating with the Bromelia Specialist was born. In 2021, Matthijs (on behalf of Adopteer Regenwoud) and Wendy (on behalf of the Bromelia Specialist) joined forces to protect the plant’s roots in Costa Rica.
The Bromelia Specialist believes it is important to properly protect the genetics of the Bromelia. With a thorough process of crossing and selection, new Bromelia species are developed, with each new specimen requiring an average of ten years of careful attention. The Bromelia is a very popular indoor plant in Europe. Wendy: “Of course, there are already many species, but the growers at the Bromelia Specialist, together with breeders around the world, are constantly working to further develop the Bromeliads. The colors of a bromeliad just make people very happy!”
Fascinating facts about the Bromelia plant:
Some Bromelia species give off oxygen at night, such as the Achmea Bromelia and the Pineapple plant, making them perfect as bedroom plants; even having anti-snoring properties.
Although the Bromelia only blooms once, after flowering, cuttings grow on the side of the stem that you can cut. With patience and loving care, these cuttings can bloom after about a year.
In the Costa Rican jungle, Bromelias grow on narrow lianas and high in trees, where they collect water in their calyx, a source of life for birds, insects and monkeys.
To keep the Bromelia blooming for a long time, give it a bright spot (not directly in the sun) and water its calyx once every 2 to 3 weeks. With love, flowering can last up to 3 to 6 months.
What the partnership entails
Together with the Bromelia Specialist, we have taken concrete actions to protect Bromelia plants in their natural habitat. Wendy explains enthusiastically, “Together we have already been able to adopt thousands of square meters of rainforest through various actions.” Through joint efforts, we have already been able to adopt and preserve 4,321 square meters of rainforest, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. Wendy emphasizes:
“We were looking for a charity that matched our product and so we ended up with Adopteer Regenwoud. Because of the small scale and transparency that the foundation has and with the great energy of the enthusiastic people associated with the organization, the choice was quickly made. Everyone at Adopteer Regenwoud truly has a heart for the rainforest.”
Our collaboration is a shining example of what is possible when organizations join forces for a common goal. Together we are building a sustainable future for the Bromelia plant and the precious rainforest of Costa Rica, and we are grateful for the continued support of our valued partner.
Would you also like to become a partner of the Adopt Rainforest Foundation?
Then take a look at our partner page for the possibilities.
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Bromelia plant in Costa Rica. “Our partnership with Adopteer Regenwoud fits perfectly with our mission to protect and preserve the genetic diversity of the Bromelia.”
Then take a look at our partner page for the possibilities.
on with Utrecht University. The foundation was ready for a new step to professionalize the research project and Utrecht University was looking for a stable and reliable partner in Central America to conduct solid research in the rainforest. So for both parties this is a wonderful collaboration! Because of this we will make a big step in professionalizing our current research on biodiversity in our reserve. Together with the visiting students we will focus on scientific research in which the diversity and development of nature in our reserve, with an emphasis on flora, is central.