How to Grow Bromeliads Plants

About Bromeliad Houseplants

Bromeliads are very popular plants. They are native to tropical regions of North, Central, and South America. Typical of tropical plants, Bromeliads like warm temperatures and high humidity. They are easy to grow, indoors or out. Most people grow them as houseplants. One of the benefits of growing them indoors is that they purify the air. Bromeliads are among the most popular types of houseplants. They do not need a lot of fertilizer or sunlight. When growing Bromeliads indoors, mist the leaves frequently to keep them healthy. Our guide on “How to grow Bromeliad Houseplants” will help you to easily grow this beautiful plant.

Bromeliads have attractive, somewhat unusual foliage. It has thick, spiky, sword-like leaves, with stems that form a cup as it nears the stem. The cup functions to collect water for the plant.

Bromeliad plants produce flowers once toward the end of their life cycle. Flowers come in a wide variety of colors, depending upon variety. Some but not all varieties have fragrant blooms. It is easy to force them to bloom indoors. Simply, place the plant and an apple in a bag for several days. The apple emits ethylene, promoting flower buds.

There are over 2,500 species. So, there are many, many names for the various types of bromeliads. One name you will know is Pineapple. Yes, Pineapples are Bromeliads!,

Bromeliad Plant Specifications

Flower Colors: Green. orange, purple, red, and yellow.

Flowers Bloom: The plant blooms once. And, the time it blooms varies by variety.

Plant Height: Plants grow from just a couple of inches to three feet tall, depending upon variety.

Air Temperature Range: The plants grow best at 50 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity: above normal

Light Requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight.

Plant Life Span: 1 -2 years, perhaps a little more.

Ideal Soil pH: Grow these acid-loving plants in the 5.0 to 6.0 range.

Toxic?: No. The plants are safe for humans, pets, and other animals.

Deer Resistant? Yes.

Hardiness Zones: 10 – 11

Plant Type: Short-lived perennial.

Native To: North America, Central America, and South America.

Botanical Name: Bromeliacae

Number of Species: Over 2,500.

Are Bromeliads Edible?

YES and NO!!

Not all species of Bromeliad plants are edible. A few are toxic when ingested.

However, many of them produce fruit or berries. The best example of this is pineapple plants.

Medicinal Uses for Bromeliad Plants

Bromelain is a useful compound found in the plants. Among the medicinal applications are:

It is a treatment for respiratory ailments, including asthma and bronchitis.
Use it orally to relieve inflammation and swelling.
It is used as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
Bromelain is a digestive aid, helping the body to better absorb nutrients.
Reduces muscle aches and soreness.
Use it topically to remove dead skin cells from burns.
Some bromeliads ae used for diabetics. It helps to regulate sugar levels.
Apply Bromeliad gels on wounds to promote faster healing.

Light Requirements

With over 2,500 species, the ideal light condition varies by species. When purchasing a Bromeliad, refer to the instructions on the tag that usually comes with your new plant.

As a rule of thumb, give Bromeliad houseplant bright, indirect sunlight. In the winter when the sun is low, you can place them in a sunny window, as the sun’s rays are not as intense. A few varieties will do well in direct sunlight. However, if you spot any scorching on the leaves, immediately place them in an area of indirect lighting.

Bromeliad Propagation

Towards the end of the plants’ life cycle, Bromeliads produce flowers. At this point, begin to watch for tiny baby plants, growing from the base of the mother plant. These baby plants are called “pups”. When the pups get big enough to handle, separate them from the mother plant. Use a sharp knife to cut them away, avoiding damage to the pup. Plant pups in soft, rich, well-draining soil.

Bromeliad plants are also propagated from seed. However, this is uncommon as it takes much longer for the plants to grow. Botanists use this method while creating hybrid varieties.

Bromeliad House Plant Care and Maintenance

Bromeliad plants are grown indoors or outdoors. The plants are good indoor houseplants. They are easy to grow and care for with little maintenance. The plants are susceptible to cold and freezing temperatures. If grown outdoors, the plants need to be moved indoors when low temperatures reach 50 degrees.

The plants grow well in partial sunlight to light shade.

Plants grow well in average, light, well-draining soil. You can use store- bought orchid soil mixture for Bromeliad plants. Soil should not be wet, as this can result in root rot. The plants can get all the water they need by collecting water in the cup-shaped leaf stems. If grown indoors, you should water the plants into the center of the plant.

Fertilizer: The plants are not heavy feeders. For outdoor plants, apply 1/2 application of fertilizer, 2-3 times a year during the growing period. For indoor plants, apply a 1/2 solution of liquid fertilizer monthly. Do not apply fertilizer during the blooming period. After the flower has died, pups (baby plants) will begin to form. Fertilizer the mother plant during this period to promote the healthy growth of the new pups.

Mist the leaves of indoor plants every week or two, when humidity levels are low. This is important during the winter months when the air inside of homes and offices is dry.

Pruning Bromeliads Plants

This is a plant that needs no pruning. It grows into the perfect symmetrical shape all by itself. After the long-lasting flower has died, you can cut it off.

On rare occasion the plant may have a damaged leave. If so, remove it where it meets the stalk.

Insects and Pests

Insects seldom bother Bromeliads, either indoors or out. Occasionally, aphids, mealy bugs, or scale bugs are a problem. For indoor control of aphids and mealy bugs, put water and a few drops of dish soap into a spray bottle. Then, spray the plants.

For scale bugs, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol onto a Q-Tip or cotton swab. Then, dab the rubbing alcohol onto the bugs.

For outdoor control, use insecticidal soap or other insect repellents.

Deer do not bother the plants.

Root rot can occur in wet soil. Make sure to plant them in loose, fast-draining soil. And, do not overwater them.

Overwintering Bromeliad Plants

These tropical plants do not like the cold. If the weather goes down to 40 degrees or less in your area, do not overwinter the plants outdoors. Rather, bring them indoors in early Fall to grow as a houseplant. You’ll be glad that you did!