How to Grow Bromeliads Plants

About Bromeliad Houseplants

Bromeliads are very popular plants. They are native to tropical regions of North and South America. Typical of tropical plants, Bromeliads like warm temperatures and high humidity. They are easy to grow, indoors or out. Bromeliad houseplants are popular. They do not need a lot of fertilizer or sunlight. When growing Bromeliads indoors, mist the leaves frequently to keep them healthy.

Bromeliads have attractive, somewhat unusual foliage. It has thick, 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 toward the end of their life cycle. Flowers come in a wide variety of colors, depending upon variety. 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.

Number of Species: over 1,800

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

Did You Know?: Bromeliads are related to pineapples.

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

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

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

Bromeliacae

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. You may use a 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. Soil should not be wet, as this can result in root rot. The plants can get all the water it needs, by collecting water in the cup-shaped leaf stems. If grown indoors, you should water the plants in this manner.

Fertilizer: For outdoor plants, apply 1/2 application of fertilizer, 2-3 times a year. For indoor plants, apply a 1/2 solution of liquid fertilizer monthly.

Mist the leaves of indoor plants every week or two, when humidity levels are low.

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

Air Temperature Range: Outdoors: 50 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity: above normal

Plant Hardiness Zones: 10 – 11