Bromeliad

Features

Scientifically Bromeliads come from broad range of genus with wide ranging habits and sizes. In the houseplant category, Bromeliad usually refers to plants that seem to grow on air, clinging to rocky surfaces or bits of moss and wood. These types need good air circulation and warm air to thrive. Their interesting and colorful leaves make them an attractive choice in the very low care category!

Uses

Makes a breathtaking potted specimen plant. A wonderful easy-care gift plant!

Intersting foliage and form make this plant a decorative accent all on its own. Group with taller plants with a strong vertical habit for a great foliage contrast.

Plant Feed

Monthly with mild liquid fertilizer (half strength) during active growth.

Watering

Thoroughly soak potting mix, or the mounting stone or wood, and allow to dry well before watering again. Vase types should have their centers filled to overflowing to get water between all the leaves. Those not mounted or planted can be misted or dipped in water.

Soil

Potting mix for bromeliads.

Basic Care Summary

Fertilize regularly. Mist daily during active growth.

Planting Instructions

If the plant was purchased in a pot, then it is probably already in a quality potting mix and requires little more than watering and grooming. Bromeliads rarely need to be repotted.

There are two types of bromeliads. Some bromeliads grow on other plants. These are called epiphytes, and they don't require any potting mix. This type of plant can be grown in a light, well-drained mix of bark, composted peat and perlite, or, rather than growing in a pot, epiphytes’ roots can be wrapped in sphagnum moss and the entire plant can then be mounted onto wood or other surfaces.

The other type of bromeliad (terrestrial) grows in soil and requires a potting mix that retains more moisture, similar to the soils used for traditional potted houseplants. When potting this type of bromeliad, start with a good quality, commercial potting mix.

When repotting terrestrial bromeliads, select a container with a drainage hole or be prepared to drill holes for drainage if there are none.

Prepare the container by filling with potting mix up to 2” (5cm) from the rim of the planter. Make a small hole in the soil slightly larger than the root ball either by hand or using a trowel. insert the plant into the hole and press soil firmly around the roots and just covering the root ball. Once potted, water thoroughly to settle the soil and give the plant a good start. Don't water bromeliads that have a “cup” in the center of the rosette of foliage that holds water (known as tank bromeliads). In that instance the soil shouldn't be watered, but rather the center of the rosette should be filled with water.

Watering Instructions

Bromeliads prefer the bark mix to dry in between thorough watering. Check the bark mix moisture with your finger. If the top inch (3 cm) of bark is dry, it’s time to water. Apply water at the soil level if possible to avoid wetting the plant. Water the entire soil area until water runs out the base of the pot. This indicates that the soil is thoroughly wet. Discard any excess water that has accumulated in the pot’s saucer.

Any bromeliads that are not potted in a container, such as those mounted to a wood surface, should be misted well at least three times a week; more often if the air is dry.

Tank bromeliads (those that have a “cup” in the center of the rosette of foliage that holds water) should be watered by filling the cup with water. Keep the cup topped up with water. Every two months, empty the water and refill the central vase with fresh water.

Fertilizing Instructions

Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic.

Liquid fertilizer is the best for bromeliads that aren't potted in a container. These types of bromeliads absorb the plant food through the leaves. Select a product with a nutritional balance of 20-20-20 and dilute it to a quarter the recommended strength.

Slow-release fertilizer is the best for potted bromeliads. Select a product with a nutritional balance of 20-20-20 and lightly sprinkle the plant food at the base of the plant. Avoid getting any fertilizer in the central cup of tank bromeliads.

Pruning Instructions

Remove the flower stalks once they have faded. This keeps the plant looking tidy and may encourage more blooms depending on the type of plant. After flowering, bromeliads make attractive houseplants.





Some plants will re-bloom on their own, but others may have very specific day-length or temperature requirements to flower again. A bit of research may be necessary to determine what is needed to encourage future blooming.