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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 do you keep bromeliads blooming?
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.
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.
Do bromeliads need a lot of sun?
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.
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.
Should I cut the dead flower off my bromeliad?
Well, it might sound harsh, but once your bromeliad bloom has begun to die, you can cut it off! Bromeliads are known for their exotic, long-lasting flowers. These tropical plants can bloom for months, in fact. By cutting off the bromeliad’s dying flower, you can help the plant refocus its energy on these new pups.
How often do you water bromeliads?
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.
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.
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!.
Are bromeliads worth it?
Bromeliad flowers are such unexpected forms and colors. When the blooms are spent, the plant is still spectacular, but you miss the vibrant flower tones. It is quite a long time to wait, but may well be worth it since these plants need little special care.
Do bromeliads like light?
Light requirements vary depending on the type of bromeliad you are caring for. Generally, if your bromeliad has soft, flexible leaves, it will prefer lower lighting levels. While a bromeliad possessing hard or stiff leaves will most likely enjoy bright, indirect light.
Can bromeliads survive in full sun?
Plant specs All do fine in bright shade, and some can take sun – even full sun – which can enhance their coloration. Bromeliads do best in Zone 10. However, they make excellent container plants, so in Zone 9B they can be planted in pots and moved in during cold weather.
Can you grow bromeliads 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 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.
How do I know if my bromeliad is dying?
How to Troubleshoot Bromeliad Problems The flower is turning brown, wilting and looks like it will die. The leaves at the base of the plant are turning brown or soggy. There is a salty build up on the leaves. The tips of the leaves are turning brown or there are brown or yellow spots on the leaves.
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.
Do bromeliads need soil?
Most bromeliads, about 75 percent, are epiphytes, meaning they can grow on trees or other wood objects (wood slabs, stumps, driftwood); they don’t need soil. Many bromeliads develop a rosette of leaves that form a cup at the center that will hold water and fallen leaves and debris that provide nutrients.
