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Bromeliads Care

Remember, bromeliads descend from a family that lived on trees in tropical forests by the mountain side. They like cool nights and breezy days.

When Flowering

Feeding

Feed with 20-20-20 fertilizer at a rate of 1 gram per liter once a month.

If the plant seems to lose its luster, you can always mist it with the same rate of fertilizer (only the plant, not the flower).

Watering

Do not let the soil dry out; evenly moist is the ideal state. Water the soil only.

Bromeliads require infrequent watering in indoor situations; water in lower leaves and soil only.

Do not allow water to stand in the cup indoors, as this may shorten bloom life. If your choice is to fill the cup and let it flow over into the soil, then keep the water fresh, replacing it every two days.

Water should be room temperature (min. 68 degrees F.). A little water every 10 days to two weeks is usually sufficient.

Because conditions vary in each household or office, check by lifting the plant daily. The pot should feel heavy versus the rest of the plant. Water should not be dripping from the bottom, nor should it be sitting in an enclosed container holding water.

The holes in the bottom of the pot are for good drainage.

When Flowering Is Finished

There is a time the flower will dry out. This is the natural cycle of the plant—bromeliads only flower once in a lifetime. The length of time you are going to enjoy the flowers varies a greatly by variety, from one month to three, if the maintenance is correct.

Pruning

When the flower dries out, cut the stem off inside the cup.

After the flowering cycle, the mother plant will have offspring sprouting from the base, which at the proper time, will bloom.

Feeding

Feeding during this period is stronger. Use the same fertilizer at the same strength but with every watering. If you lose roots, mist daily for two weeks.

Orchids and bromeliads demand fresh air circulation, clean water (watch out for cold and over-chlorinated tap water) and good, diffused light.

Starting a New Bromeliad

No repotting is needed of the mother plant. Just cut the sprouts off by the base when they are 8 inches long, and plant in a well-drained mix. Mist for a few weeks so they set roots.

Forcing Flowering

Bromeliads can be forced to flower after one year of growth.

To do this, drop a small slice of tomato, apple or any fruit into the cup. The decomposition of the fruit will release ethylene gas and induce flowering.

If the plant is older, it will flower with the change of seasons.

Feeding

Feeding in this period is stronger. Use the same fertilizer at the same strength but with every watering. If you lose roots, mist daily for two weeks.

Looking for More Information?

If you require more information or, as we hope, get serious with your bromeliad habit, a good place to look is www.bsi.org