bromeliad care

tropical, colorful, & exotic

Vriesea splendens

Tillandsia ionantha

Bromeliads are eye-catching, easy-to-care for plants. Their brightly colored blooms contrast against their green foliage for the perfect complement to many different decorating styles.

Aechmea 'Blue Tango'

DID YOU KNOW?

‘Airplant’ is a common name for a type of Tillandsia, a type of bromeliad. Airplants, as their name suggest, grow with their roots out of soil. However, most bromeliads are terrestrial – meaning they do best planted in soil.

basic bromeliad care

soil

In their natural habitat, bromeliad roots are accustomed to downpours of rain followed by a dry period. Because of this, they require a light, airy potting medium that will provide fast drainage.

lighting

General rule of thumb:

Soft, flexible, spineless leaves = lower light levels
Stiff, hard leaves = bright, indirect light

temperature

Bromeliads are tolerant to a wide range of temperatures but prefer 60°F (15.5°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). They can, however, survive in temperatures outside this range.

water

It is usually sufficient to water your bromeliad once a week. Too much water can result in your plant developing root or crown rot which often leads to plant death.

fertilizer

A bromeliad is in active growth during the summer months. While fertilization is not necessary for most bromeliads to thrive, if you choose to, this is the time to do it.

repotting

The root system of a bromeliad is quite small compared to the plant itself. To maintain a happy plant and avoid over-watering, keep your bromeliad in a small grow pot within a decorative container.

propagation

After a bromeliad blooms, it will begin to die. During this period, it will begin to produce pup, or babies. These pups are exact clones of the original bromeliad on which they are grown. Once they are 1/3 the size of the mother plant, the pups can be removed with a sterile blade and replanted on their own.

bromeliad varieties

detailed variety care

Bromeliads are a vastly diverse family of plants consisting of over 3,000 different species. Care requirements CAN differ from one plant to another. The above information is basic generalizations that will help you care for most types bromeliads.

Bromeliads make excellent houseplants due to their vivid colors, unique features, and hardiness.
With proper care you can enjoy your plant for years to come.