Bromeliads fall under the monocot group of flowering plants. From a scientific point of view, they possess seeds with only one leaf. They have a unique system of small, threadlike roots; and the leaves of the plants are ‘parallel-nerved’. Bromeliads save water more effectively than many of the other tropical plants. All the bromeliads also have trichomes, which are hair-like structures that protect the plant from direct sun and help them collect water even in desert-like conditions. These characteristics make them some of the most visually vibrant and easily recognizable houseplants, especially the species and varieties with pink, yellow, or purple leaves. They are some of the low-maintenance plants. Here are some care tips for Bromeliads:
Like many other tropical plants Bromeliads enjoy nice bright light but not scorching direct heat. They will do well in medium to low-light environments but require fairly bright light to show off the color and to start the blooming and budding process. Your Bromeliad should be somewhere in the vicinity of a window or windows facing west or south. In the colder months, you may have to shift it to a place that receives more light.
During the cold season water sparingly. After two months, you can pour in the cup up to a quarter full. You have to make sure that your Bromeliad does not rot because of over-watering. Bromeliads like Aechmeas & Neorgelias are vulnerable to salt damage that happens due to over-water or over-fertilizing. Most tap waters are perfectly okay but yours might contain high levels of salts & minerals, so use rain or distilled water. We have the Best Watering Tips for Happy, Healthy Plants
Bromeliads grow well if their roots are in rich complex organic matter but the soil has to drain well. If you have the Cymbidium orchid mix then you can use this for potting up your Bromeliads as well. Another good additive is coco coir which is more eco-friendly than ordinary peat moss. Bromeliads have a small root system and you do not need to repot them too frequently. Every 4-5 years is probably just fine and you only have to go up 1 or 2 pot sizes. And, it’s best not to repot them in the cooler months when the roots are at rest from April to September. Before you take your plant out of the container make sure you know how to repot your plants!
Bromeliads are not picky plants and do not require frequent fertilizing at least not with any fertilizer. If you have to fertilize them then you can use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted at 1/2 strength in spring or summer. However, there are commercial fertilizers which are developed specifically for Bromeliads but in case you choose to use another type of fertilizer, do not over-fertilize Bromeliads! We have some fertilizing tips for you so make sure you read them!
Temperature is not significant as Bromeliads can grow even in a broad range of temperatures. They grow outdoors and in winter they can go as low as the 40s and the summer/ fall temperatures can range between the 80s/90s.
Humidity is more important as most of these plants are from the subtropical & tropical zones. If your home is very dry, then spray them a couple of times a week or have them sit over a tray of water & pebbles to increase the humidity factor.
The simplest method of growing Bromeliads is through pup which is a small plant that grows off the main plant also known as the mother plant. If you are new to this, you should possibly wait for the pups to grow to a fairly big size so roots must have developed. Remove pups when they’re smaller and plant them with care. You can use seeds to propagate them but complicated process than using cuttings.
These plants are very low-maintenance when it comes to pruning which is great. A bottom leaf will sometimes turn brown so just pull it off. If your Bromeliad has a flower stalk like an Aechmea or Guzmania then it is best to cut this off once it has wilted. One day the mother plant will wither (but this is okay because more buds will emerge) and you will have to cut that off after it dies. Make sure you know how to prune your plants before you chop off those stems.
Bromeliads have some colors you would want to have in your home or office. Some have a stalk on which there is a large and attractive flower while others have small flowers which are located at the base of the cup. Before you buy Bromeliads research more about the Types of Bromeliad Plants and How to Grow.
Bromeliads are most vulnerable to mealy bugs & scale. It is best for you to take alcohol and a cotton swab and wipe the mealy bug off. Scale can be scraped off with your fingers, or a blunt knife. Do not spray oil on your Bromeliads or you will suffocate the plant; horticultural or neem oils are not encouraged. Why Does My Plant Have Pests? If this question bothers you every time you see pests on your plants then read our blog and find out!
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