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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 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.
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.
What do you do with a bromeliad after it blooms?
Bromeliad care after flowering is much the same while it was in flower. The leaves form a cup in which you can pour water. Occasionally change the water in the cup and rinse the area to remove any salt or mineral build up.
How do I know if my bromeliad is healthy?
One way you can be sure your bromeliad is turning brown because it’s drying out is to check the pups. If they’re healthy and looking good, then the plant is on the way out. If you’re keep the growing medium too wet, then the lower leaves will turn brown and ultimately turn mushy.
How much sunlight does a bromeliad need?
How much light does a bromeliad need? Bromeliad plants do best when they receive 5+ hours of bright indirect light each day.
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.
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.
Can bromeliads grow in pots?
Most bromeliads are grown in pots of well-drained potting mix. Because most bromeliads have rather limited root systems, they are generally grown in pots that are somewhat small for the size of the plant. Clay or plastic pots are equally satisfactory as long as they have drainage holes.
What months do bromeliads bloom?
First, let’s start off with a few facts: With a few exceptions, bromeliads only bloom once. However, the blooms last an exceptionally long time — months or even up to a year. Bromeliads grow and bloom year round. It’s always bromeliad season!.
When should I repot my bromeliad?
A young bromeliad can benefit from a repotting if they are outgrowing their container. This is best done in the spring. Most full sized bromeliads will not require a planter pot larger than 6 inches. Using a larger plant container than needed can lead to over-watering issues.
Is bromeliad an indoor plant?
Bromeliads make great low-maintenance indoor plants as they don’t require much sun and only need to be watered about once a week when kept indoors. As bromedliads love humidity, be sure to keep them away from air conditioning and cold draughts and mist with a spray bottle every couple of days.
How do you get bromeliads to rebloom?
Use a well draining soil mix. Keep the center of the bromeliad filled with water and add diluted liquid seaweed or diluted compost tea once every two weeks. This will encourage the young bromeliad to flourish and grow up so it can be ready to bloom.
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.
How long does a bromeliad live?
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.
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.
Why are the tips of my bromeliad dying?
Bromeliads are usually not too particular about the amount of light they receive, but if they get too much direct sunlight, they can scorch. Brown tips or light brown spots on the leaves are indications that the plant is getting too much sun.
