Bromeliad Care
1
Give them adequate light. Bright, filtered or indirect sunlight is best. Different types of Bromeliads may have different light requirements. Broad-leafed varieties may “burn” when placed in direct sunlight. A window with southern exposure is usually ideal all year.
2 .
Water them properly. Keep the soil evenly moist, but do not over-water or allow the plant roots to stand in water. Keep water in the “tank” created by the lower leaves , since some Broms will absorb adequate water through its root system, although the bromeliads that have the "tank" would prefer to have water inside. If you pour water in the “tank,” change the water frequently to prevent rotting of the bloom.
3.
Keep the correct temperature. This shouldn't be hard, as indoor temperatures do not usually vary much. Bromeliads tolerate a wide range of temperatures, with an ideal range of 55-85ºF (13-29ºC). For brief periods, Bromeliads can withstand temperatures ranging
from 55 to 100ºF (12.7 to 37ºC). Cool nighttime temperatures actually enhance the color and prolong the bloom life. If it is more humid, the temperature can be higher. The air circulation should be good.
4.
Fertilize the plant. Fertilizing is not required in the home. To produce more vigorous new growth, use a well-balanced water based plant fertilizer at about ½ the manufacturer’s recommended application rate.
5.
Repot the Bromeliad if needed. This is typically unnecessary. Bromeliads will not re-bloom, but they will produce a small “pup” plant at their base. To grow a pup might require two years to reach blooming stage.
6.
Wait for the plant to bloom. Plants are sold in bloom throughout the year. Blooms can last from 2 to 3 months. Most varieties have a very slow metabolism and will take up to two years to produce a bloom in a greenhouse. Bromeliads do not re-bloom, but they will produce
a small “pup” plant at their base, which can slowly grow into the next generation.
7.
Grow new plants. Bromeliads only bloom once in their life. A new plant must grow before a new bloom can be generated. Once blooming is complete, the mother plant will produce small “pup” plants on the outer perimeter of its base. A Bromeliad is a very slow growing plant.
The pups will take about six months to grow to approximately one-third the size of the mother plant. When the pups reach that size, separate them from the mother plant. Allow the young plants to grow for at least 6 more months, after which time they could be mature enough to bloom.
Tips
* The leafy top of a pineapple is a pup because it can be removed and planted to start another plant.
* The Bromeliads only flower a single time--once the plant stops producing leaves and produces its flower, it will not start making leaves again.
* It will produce new little plants, referred to as pups, that will remain on the mother plant until they are large enough to root, and become a separate plant.
* The pups are usually, but not always, found near the base of the plant inside the sheath of the leaf. The mother may sometimes survive a generation or two before finally dying off.
* Bromeliads’ long-lasting blooms normally hold for 2 to 3 months.
* They tolerate a wide range of light and temperature, making them ideal for indoor locations.
* These plants bloom in a wide variety of colors and are very easy to care for. They almost thrive on neglect.
* They have very few insect or pest problems.
Notice
This is not a set rule to grow[ng Bromeliads. This is what we found that works for us at Penrose Cottage. Your growing condition may be different and your understanding of the plant. Start out with one or two until you see how you do with them. Make this a fun hobby and you will enjoy them more.
1
Give them adequate light. Bright, filtered or indirect sunlight is best. Different types of Bromeliads may have different light requirements. Broad-leafed varieties may “burn” when placed in direct sunlight. A window with southern exposure is usually ideal all year.
2 .
Water them properly. Keep the soil evenly moist, but do not over-water or allow the plant roots to stand in water. Keep water in the “tank” created by the lower leaves , since some Broms will absorb adequate water through its root system, although the bromeliads that have the "tank" would prefer to have water inside. If you pour water in the “tank,” change the water frequently to prevent rotting of the bloom.
3.
Keep the correct temperature. This shouldn't be hard, as indoor temperatures do not usually vary much. Bromeliads tolerate a wide range of temperatures, with an ideal range of 55-85ºF (13-29ºC). For brief periods, Bromeliads can withstand temperatures ranging
from 55 to 100ºF (12.7 to 37ºC). Cool nighttime temperatures actually enhance the color and prolong the bloom life. If it is more humid, the temperature can be higher. The air circulation should be good.
4.
Fertilize the plant. Fertilizing is not required in the home. To produce more vigorous new growth, use a well-balanced water based plant fertilizer at about ½ the manufacturer’s recommended application rate.
5.
Repot the Bromeliad if needed. This is typically unnecessary. Bromeliads will not re-bloom, but they will produce a small “pup” plant at their base. To grow a pup might require two years to reach blooming stage.
6.
Wait for the plant to bloom. Plants are sold in bloom throughout the year. Blooms can last from 2 to 3 months. Most varieties have a very slow metabolism and will take up to two years to produce a bloom in a greenhouse. Bromeliads do not re-bloom, but they will produce
a small “pup” plant at their base, which can slowly grow into the next generation.
7.
Grow new plants. Bromeliads only bloom once in their life. A new plant must grow before a new bloom can be generated. Once blooming is complete, the mother plant will produce small “pup” plants on the outer perimeter of its base. A Bromeliad is a very slow growing plant.
The pups will take about six months to grow to approximately one-third the size of the mother plant. When the pups reach that size, separate them from the mother plant. Allow the young plants to grow for at least 6 more months, after which time they could be mature enough to bloom.
Tips
* The leafy top of a pineapple is a pup because it can be removed and planted to start another plant.
* The Bromeliads only flower a single time--once the plant stops producing leaves and produces its flower, it will not start making leaves again.
* It will produce new little plants, referred to as pups, that will remain on the mother plant until they are large enough to root, and become a separate plant.
* The pups are usually, but not always, found near the base of the plant inside the sheath of the leaf. The mother may sometimes survive a generation or two before finally dying off.
* Bromeliads’ long-lasting blooms normally hold for 2 to 3 months.
* They tolerate a wide range of light and temperature, making them ideal for indoor locations.
* These plants bloom in a wide variety of colors and are very easy to care for. They almost thrive on neglect.
* They have very few insect or pest problems.
Notice
This is not a set rule to grow[ng Bromeliads. This is what we found that works for us at Penrose Cottage. Your growing condition may be different and your understanding of the plant. Start out with one or two until you see how you do with them. Make this a fun hobby and you will enjoy them more.
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