QA

Question: 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.

Are bromeliads indoor or outdoor plants?

Bromeliads are incredibly adaptable plants as they can be used indoors, outdoors, in pots and in trees. And, they range in size from 3cm to a gigantic 10m wide making them suitable for small and large gardens. The leaves of most bromeliad varieties are arranged in rosettes that can be flattish to upright and tubular.

How often do you water a bromeliad plant?

As bromeliads prefer to dry out in home environments, you only need to water your plant every other week or so. You’ll want to water both the soil and cup, making sure to keep the latter only halfway full to prevent rot.

Where should I put bromeliads in my house?

Most bromeliads will thrive on a table or countertop a few feet away from a window. Do not place your bromeliad directly in a south facing window. The leaves are likely to scorch with too much direct sunlight. There are some bromeliads that will grow well in drier conditions.

What is the best way to water a bromeliad?

It is best to water your bromeliad with rainwater or distilled water. The chemicals that are present in some tap water can be damaging to these sensitive plants. Slow growth or browning of leaf tips are often signs of hard water usage.

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.

Should I mist my bromeliad?

You may need to mist a bromeliad regularly if the humidity is less than ideal (60%). Be sure to mist when your plant’s leaves are dry, but before they are exposed to any direct sun. For those living in climates with a colder season, you will want to consider planting your bromeliads in containers.

What does an overwatered bromeliad look like?

Confusing as it may sound, bromeliad leaves turning brown – even the tips turning brown – can also indicate too much water. The difference here is that browning leaves as a result of underwatering feel dry and crisp, while overwatered leaves usually feel soft and mushy.

Do bromeliads like being misted?

Bromeliad Air Plants only take in moisture and nutrients through special cells on their leaves so they must be misted regularly. Mist air plants weekly (or more frequently in hot, dry conditions) and soak in water every one to two weeks.

Are bromeliads easy to care for?

Bromeliad plant care is easy and requires no special tools or fertilizers. These plants collect all the food and moisture they need with their leaves but need a little help from you in the indoor setting.

Why are the leaves on my bromeliad turning brown?

Brown and dry leaves are most likely caused by a lack of moisture. This could mean you’re not watering enough, your plant is in an environment with low humidity or a combination of both.

Do bromeliads like sun?

Plant specs All do fine in bright shade, and some can take sun – even full sun – which can enhance their coloration. Bromeliads do best in Zone 10. However, they make excellent container plants, so in Zone 9B they can be planted in pots and moved in during cold weather.

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.

How do you save a dying bromeliad?

Examine the Bromeliad Examine the Bromeliad. Check the bromeliad’s soil for light, even moistness. Switch to Distilled Water. Pour the water out of the plant’s center cup, and refill the center cup with distilled water. Adjust the Plant’s Light Level. Monitor the light levels the bromeliad receives. Mist the Bromeliad.

Is a bromeliad a succulent?

By definition a succulent is a plant which stores water in its fleshy leaves, roots, or stems. The bromeliad stores water in it’s “urn” and does not depend on uptake of water from roots. This storage of water within it’s leaves secures it’s place in this category.

How do you know when a bromeliad needs water?

Watering bromeliads is no different than any other houseplant care; check your houseplants regularly for their soil being dry. Most plants need water when they are dry unless they are a picky plant, in which case, you should have some sort of direction as to how to handle the watering.

How do you know when a bromeliad is dying?

How to Troubleshoot Bromeliad Problems The flower is turning brown, wilting and looks like it will die. The leaves at the base of the plant are turning brown or soggy. There is a salty build up on the leaves. The tips of the leaves are turning brown or there are brown or yellow spots on the leaves.

How do you save an overwatered bromeliad?

Remove the plant from the substrate. Dip it in a fungicide or a root hormone that also contains fungicide. Then, stake it up in a well draining potting medium or next to a healthy bromeliad. The bromeliad should recover and develop roots.