Bromeliads are captivating houseplants known for their rigid, often colorful rosettes and futuristic-looking flowers. Their care involves mimicking their native climate, paying attention to how they gather moisture and nutrients in the wild.
Bromeliads come in two main types: epiphytic and terrestrial. Epiphytic varieties cling to trees or other structures, gathering sun and moisture without being parasitic.
Quick Facts:
- Botanical Name: Bromeliad
- Height: 2 inches to 4 feet (5.08 cm to 1.2 m)
- Spread: Similar
- Sun Exposure: Diffuse light
- Soil Requirements: Well-draining
- Hardiness Zones: USDA 10-11
- When to Plant: Spring
Bromeliad Care
Most bromeliads are epiphytic, living on trees or rocky surfaces. They typically form a rosette of thick, strap-like leaves creating a central “tank” or cup to collect dew or rainwater. Since they do not root in soil like other plants, they absorb nutrients and water from the air.
Light
Bromeliads need bright, diffused light. Better lighting enhances the color of the flowers and foliage, but avoid direct full sun. Too much light can make leaves stumpy, while too little light makes them elongate and floppy. Plants with thick, leathery leaves tolerate more light, while those with softer leaves need more diffuse light.
Water
Water bromeliads either at the base into the soil and roots or directly into the cupped leaves. Keep the plant moderately moist but not soggy. If watering into the rosettes, let the water disappear for a day or two before refilling. For soil watering, let the soil dry out for a day or two before adding more moisture. Ideal water pH is between 4.0-7.0. Empty any water collected in the pot weekly to remove debris and insects.
Temperature & Humidity
Bromeliads thrive in warm temperatures between 60-85°F (15.56-30°C) and are not frost-tolerant. They need high humidity, which can be maintained by misting the leaves daily or placing the container on a saucer filled with rocks and water. Ensure roots are not submerged to avoid rot.
Soil
Bromeliads require a loose, well-draining soil. A mix of equal parts peat, bark, and coarse sand is ideal. They also do well in shallow pots and can thrive in orchid mix, which blends bark, sphagnum moss, and other organic materials.
Fertilizer
Bromeliads rarely need fertilizing. Re-potting every two years refreshes the soil. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted by half once per month from spring to early fall during the growing season.
Encouraging Bromeliads to Bloom
A flowering bromeliad is stunning and the bloom can last for months. After blooming, the plant produces offsets, and the original plant will eventually die. The offsets can be divided and grown into new plants. To encourage blooming, try placing the entire plant in a plastic bag with a ripe apple, which releases ethylene gas to stimulate flowering.
Repotting
Repot bromeliads every 2-3 years using the same soil mixture. They prefer being slightly crowded and need a container just a bit wider than the plant. Ensure the container has several drainage holes.
Propagating Bromeliad Pups
When pups or offsets are nearly half the size of the mother plant, carefully divide them with a sharp, sterile knife. Include the roots and pot them in small containers with the same media mix as the parent plant.
Visit Sai Nursery in Sydney to explore our diverse collection of bromeliads and find the perfect addition to your home gardern.
