Bromeliad - Growing Instructions & Care
Bromeliad (brow·mee·lee·ad)
Family: Bromeliaceae
Common Name: Bromeliad
Botanical Name: Neoregelia, Guzmania species, Cryptantus species
Pet Friendly: Yes
Bring a piece of the tropics into your home with the stunning and low-maintenance bromeliad plant! These indoor plants feature long, sword-shaped leaves that come in an array of vibrant colors and patterns, adding color and texture to any space. Here are some tips on how to care for your bromeliad plant:
-
Light: Bromeliads thrive in low, medium, or bright indirect light. Increase the amount of indirect sunlight to bring out the intensity of the colors in their leaves.
-
Water: Water your bromeliad when the soil is dry, and be sure to water it through the central cup, not directly into the soil, to avoid root rot. Rinse and flush the cup regularly to remove mineral buildup.
-
Soil: Use loose, nutrient-rich potting soil that can retain moisture but allows for drainage. Pre-mixed soils with plenty of organic matter work well. Avoid moisture-retaining crystals.
-
Temperature: Bromeliads prefer warmer temperatures between 55-80°F, but can adapt to most home environments.
-
Humidity: Bromeliads prefer higher humidity, but can do well in average humidity. Use a tray filled with pebbles and water or a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity levels.
-
Fertilizer: During the growing season, fertilize with ½-strength complete liquid fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
-
Pro Tips: Bromeliads flower once during their lifetime, but it's the colorful bracts or leaves that surround the flower spike that are the attention grabbers. Propagate your bromeliad plant by removing and planting the small pups or offsets that grow around the parent plant. Try mounting your bromeliad on a board to mimic their natural epiphytic growth.
At American Plant Supply, we offer high-quality growing supplies and a wide variety of bromeliad plants to bring a touch of the tropics into your home. Shop our selection today and discover the beauty and ease of growing bromeliads!