Growing A Bromeliad And How To Care For A Bromeliad Plant

Following a few simple steps can keep you enjoying bromeliads, both indoors and out, for several seasons.

Provide bright light without direct sun exposure.
Maintain optimal humidity.
Keep air flowing around the plants.
Make sure the plants stay moist but not soggy.
Provide adequate drainage.
Fertilize sparingly.

How often should you water a bromeliad?
Where is the best place to plant bromeliads?
Do bromeliads only flower once?
How long do bromeliads last?
What is the best way to water a bromeliad?
Do bromeliads like sun or shade?
Do bromeliads like coffee grounds?
Should I cut the dead flower off my bromeliad?
Can I plant bromeliads in the ground?
Do all bromeliads die after flowering?
How do you get bromeliads to rebloom?
Is Bromeliad a perennial?

How often should you water a bromeliad?

While their roots prefer to be moist, they can never be allowed to remain soggy. Water that does not drain properly through your potting medium can cause your plant to develop root or crown rot. It is often times sufficient to water your bromeliad once a week.

Where is the best place to plant bromeliads?

Bromeliads grow best in bright, indirect light, both indoors and out. Don't put them where the afternoon sun will shine directly on their leaves, as that can cause them to burn, but don't stick them in a dark corner, either.

Do bromeliads only flower once?

Bromeliads often have both striking foliage as well as flowers. However, a bromeliad will only bloom once throughout its lifespan. ... Plus, once it's finished blooming, it signals that its "pups"—or little bromeliad suckers—are on their way. Once the flower finishes blooming, you'll want to remove them.

How long do bromeliads last?

Some bromeliads may take five years to attain maturity and produce a flower. Unfortunately, though, a bromeliad only blooms once in its life. Although it may seem like a raw deal if you have bought the plant for its flowers, the vibrant blooms can actually last for 3 to 6 months, or even a whole year.

What is the best way to water a bromeliad?

If you can use it, rainwater is the best water for bromeliads because it is most natural. Distilled water also works well for watering bromeliads. Bromeliad water can also be tap water, but there may be a build up of salt and chemicals from tap water. Bromeliads are tough, carefree plants indoors.

Do bromeliads like sun or shade?

Depending on the species, these beauties can reach up to 2m high and wide. They're also quite adaptable and can be found growing in shade to full sun. However, they develop their best colour and shape in full sun with afternoon shade.

Do bromeliads like coffee grounds?

I've used coffee grounds in and around bromeliads for the last few years, mainly Alcantarea to deter slugs and snails from nibbling the leaves, & it also wipes out mosquitos when it's tipped into the cups. ... As well as bromeliads, palm & cycads can be 'treated' with coffee grounds...

Should I cut the dead flower off my bromeliad?

Well, it might sound harsh, but once your bromeliad bloom has begun to die, you can cut it off! Bromeliads are known for their exotic, long-lasting flowers. These tropical plants can bloom for months, in fact. ... By cutting off the bromeliad's dying flower, you can help the plant refocus its energy on these new pups.

Can I plant bromeliads in the ground?

Outdoors. Bromeliads can also be grown outdoors. They will thrive all year in tropical climates, but can also be placed outdoors in containers during the summer in more extreme climates. Bromeliads in containers will do well on shaded patios or under trees with broad canopies that allow dappled light through.

Do all bromeliads die after flowering?

Yes, they do. It takes a mature plant to flower and once it does, it produces offsets and the main plant gradually begins to die. It can take years, but eventually all you will have left is its offspring.

How do you get bromeliads to rebloom?

Forcing a Bromeliad to Bloom Sooner

Empty the depression in the plant and encase it in a large plastic bag accompanied by a slice of apple, kiwi or banana. These fruits give off ethylene gas, which will help force the plant into bloom. Keep the plant in the bag for 10 days and then remove the covering.

Is Bromeliad a perennial?

Bromeliads are perennial monocotyledons -- plants that have one seed leaf like lilies or corn, rather than two seed leaves like roses or beans. Their seeds have a food reserve, which means bromeliads can be grown like most other plants. ... At maturity, bromeliads range in size from about an inch to 30 feet.