Bromeliad Plants That means many varieties are suitable for low light, including our standard Vriesea and Guzmania bromeliads. Bromeliads are easy to grow and produce colorful, long-lasting leaf crowns. Just keep them in indirect sunlight and water once a week by adding water to the leaf cup in the center.
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.
How do you care for a bromeliad indoors?
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 many hours of light does a bromeliad need?
Depending on the variety, bromeliads will grow well in subdued to bright artificial light. Fourteen to sixteen hours of fluorescent light a day will usually maintain leaf color. When the plants begin to bloom, move the plants to the area below the center of the tubes.
Can bromeliads grow in low light? – Related Questions
How often should a bromeliad be watered?
Due to attributes like the aforementioned trichomes, many bromeliads are among the more drought-tolerant houseplants and dislike being over-watered. You can keep them healthy by watering the soil every one to two weeks in the warmer months, and every two to three weeks in the colder months.
What is the lifespan of a bromeliad?
Bromeliads live for two to five years. They’re one of those plants that blooms once when it hits maturity, and then slowly dies off as it puts all its energy into producing new plants, called pups. Bromeliad blooms last up to six months, so you get a long-lived bloom for the plant’s lone flower show.
What do you do with a bromeliad flower after it dies?
How to Remove a Spent Bromeliad Bloom. To remove a spent bloom, use a sharp, sterilized blade and cut the bloom stalk. Make a clean cut as close to the remaining plant as possible without harming it. Once you’ve removed the bloom, you can toss it in the trash or compost.
Do bromeliads only bloom once?
Bromeliads often have both striking foliage as well as flowers. However, a bromeliad will only bloom once throughout its lifespan. Though that seems like a bummer, especially if you bought the bromeliad for its blooms, the flowers actually last for a good portion of time—generally 3 to 6 months.
How do you know when a bromeliad needs water?
Feel the soil: the top layer (about 1 inch) should be dry before giving your Bromeliad plant more water. You should also check the rosette/center of the plant, it should always have at least a little water in it. If the soil is wet – snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.
How much light does a bromeliad need indoors?
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 do well in direct sunlight?
Most bromeliads grow under the cover of a tree canopy. Therefore, they are not adapted to being exposed to direct sunlight. Many bromeliads will scorch and lose their color in direct sun. There are, however, bromeliads that enjoy bright, direct light and will thrive in full sun.
Can bromeliads grow in full shade?
Bromeliads that enjoy full shade or dappled light usually include the Vrieseas, the Tillandsias and Guzmanias. Guzmania sanguinea ‘Tricolor’ has striking colour that’ll brighten up even the shadiest spots in the garden. The bromeliads that enjoy semi-shade include Neoregelia, Aechmea and Cryptanthus.
Do bromeliads need misting?
Spraying / Misting Bromeliads
Bromeliads love humidity so misting or spraying is something they’d enjoy. I spray mine in the kitchen sink or outdoors every few weeks. In the winter months and/or if your light levels are low, simply misting or spraying the tank and the leaves every 2-4 weeks might be enough.
Do you water the center of a bromeliad?
When taking care of a bromeliad, water it well. The center of a bromeliad is called a tank or cup. This particular plant will hold water in its tank. Fill the tank in the center and don’t allow it to get empty.
Should I cut the dead leaves off my bromeliad?
Dead or dying leaves can be pruned off at any time. What is this? Trim off the flower spike after it dies back, but keep the plant growing as long as you can so that it will have plenty of time to grow pups. Once the main plant dies back, you can prune it out and leave the pups growing in the pot.
Where do you put the water in a bromeliad?
WATER OVER THE SOIL
- Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap.
- Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.
- Make sure to also water the center of the plant/rosette.
Do bromeliads do better in pots?
They also grow happily in the ground or in pots, as long as they have good drainage. When growing bromeliads in pots, be sure to use well-draining potting mix like those made specifically for orchids and succulents. Ensure your pot also has enough drainage holes for its size.
Can you water bromeliads with ice cubes?
Quite popular now are the “ice cube” orchids where you “water” them by placing 3 ice cubes in the pot one time a week. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a gimmick, but it works.
What does an overwatered bromeliad look like?
The main sign of an overwatered bromeliad is browning or yellowing. Root or heart rot can cause soft, mushy leaves that drop from the plant. A rotting smell may develop in the cup as well.