How to Care for a Bromeliad

Bromeliads are easy plants to grow and maintain. But there are certain things you should check for to ensure that your bromeliad can stay healthy. Learn to care for your bromeliad properly by preventing pest and disease problems that could seriously affect it's health.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Realize that a bromeliad needs the right conditions to stay healthy. These conditions are well-draining soil, right light intensity, high humidity, good air circulation and warm temperatures. In general, bromeliads are pest and disease free and any problems are due to unfavorable growing conditions.

2. Keep the plant clean by removing any dead or dying plant parts from the plant container and the plant itself. Place the plant where there is good air circulation. Keep it away from air conditioning and heat vents.

3. Reduce the chance of insect infestation and disease by keeping the rosette-shaped leaves filled with water and change the water often. Water this plant from the top only. Look for brown tips on the plant as this can be a sign of salts or other substances in the water.

4. Know that over-watering and low temperatures (below 40 F) can cause crown rot in bromeliads. Over-watering can occur when you water the plant base.

5. Control the amount of sunlight the plants receive. Depending on the variety, the right intensity of light is necessary. Too low or high light conditions can cause damage to the plant foliage. Fungi (dark or rotting spots with yellowing centers) may grow as a result of this and then a fungicide may be necessary.

6. Inspect the bromeliad regularly for signs of disease or pest issues. Insects such as scale, mealy bugs, red spider mites or aphids can infest the plant if there are any adverse growing conditions. These insects cause damage by sucking the plant's juice and it is advisable to learn to recognize these insects (see Resources). Treat any infestation with the proper insecticide.

7. Care for a bromeliad properly by washing it regularly and by keeping the humidity level high. This can also reduce the possibility of a red spider mite infestation. If you buy a new bromeliad plant, keep it away from your other bromeliads for at least a month to ensure it is pest and disease free. Examine it thoroughly for any signs of disease and then place it with your healthy plants.