Plant Care 101: How To Care For Bromeliads
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Time to read 3 min
Introduction
Bromeliads belong to the Bromeliaceae family, which includes more than 3,000 species. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, they’re known for their stunning foliage and the central ‘vase’ or ‘tank’ formed by their leaves. Many bromeliads are epiphytic, meaning they grow on trees in their natural habitat, extracting nutrients from the air rather than soil.
Bromeliads are an excellent choice for indoor growing because they are low-maintenance and adaptable. However, to keep them at their best, you need to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible.
This guide will help you care for your Bromeliads providing helpful tips and tricks from our plant experts.
💡 Did you know?
Bromeliads are more than just houseplants! Some bromeliads, like Tillandsia, don’t even need soil to grow! They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. Read more about Tillisandia here.
The rosette shape of bromeliad leaves forms a cup that collects rainwater in the wild, creating a small ecosystem that provides water for plants and shelter for small animals.
What Lighting is Best for Bromeliads?
Bromeliads are tropical plants, so they love bright, indirect light. However, they can adapt to different lighting conditions depending on the variety. Bright, indirect light is ideal for most bromeliads. A spot near a window that gets filtered sunlight (like through sheer curtains) works well. It’s important to avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves, especially for bromeliads with softer foliage.
For varieties with thicker leaves, lower light conditions can be tolerated, but remember that less light might slow down their growth or impact their vibrant colour.
💡 Remember, too much direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves.
How Often Should I Water My Bromeliad Plants?
Bromeliads have a unique way of absorbing water. Instead of just watering the soil, you should focus on filling the central tank or cup formed by the plant’s leaves.
- Watering the tank: Fill the central tank with water, and change the water regularly (about once a week) to avoid stagnation, which can lead to rot.
- Soil moisture: While the tank is crucial, the soil should still remain slightly moist, especially for potted bromeliads. However, be careful not to overwater, as bromeliads are sensitive to root rot.
- Drainage: Ensure your pot has excellent drainage, as sitting in waterlogged soil is harmful to the plant.
Use distilled or rainwater if possible, as bromeliads can be sensitive to the chemicals found in tap water.
What Humidity is Best for Bromeliads?
Being tropical plants, bromeliads thrive in high humidity. Aim to keep humidity levels between 50-70% to mimic their natural environment.
- Location: Keeping this plant in an area that receives high humidity like a kitchen or bathroom.
- Group plants: Grouping several bromeliads together or placing them near other plants can naturally raise the humidity in that area.
- Humidifier: For those with especially dry indoor air, using a humidifier is the best way to consistently maintain the ideal moisture level.
Common Issues When Growing Bromeliads
Even though bromeliads are hardy plants, they’re not immune to problems. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
Brown leaf tips may be due to dry air or poor water quality. To combat this, consider Increasing the humidity or using distilled water.
Rotting leaves or base : Overwatering or stagnant water in the tank can cause rot. Empty the tank regularly and ensure proper you’re using the right potting mix for proper soil drainage.
No blooms : Bromeliads can take time to flower, but if yours seems delayed, it could be due to insufficient light or improper care. Ensure it’s receiving adequate bright, indirect light, and check if it’s in its natural blooming season.
Repotting Bromeliads
Bromeliads don’t need frequent repotting. In fact, they prefer slightly crowded conditions. Repotting is usually only necessary when the plant has severely outgrown its pot. This might happen if you notice the roots pushing out of the pot or the plant becoming top-heavy, or the soil begins to become hydrophobic, meaning it repels and runs off the base of the plant.
After the parent plant blooms and begins to fade, it will produce offshoots called pups. These can be carefully separated and repotted when they’re about 1/3 the size of the mother plant.
When repotting, use a well-draining potting mix, such as our GrowTropicals Simply Houseplant Potting Mix and be gentle with the roots. You should also avoid planting the bromeliad too deep.
Bromeliads can take years to bloom, but their flowers, once open, can last for several months!
Trending Bromeliads at GrowTropicals
Need More Help with Your Houseplants?
Caring for rare and unusual can be a rewarding experience as these plants add beauty and elegance to any houseplant collection.
If you have any specific questions or need further assistance with your houseplants, feel free to reach out to us via email at hello@growtropicals.com. Our plant experts are always here to help.
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