How to Care for a Cherry Red Bromeliad
The cherry red bromeliad is a tropical plant with red-tinged leaves. The plant is native to areas of Latin America and produces a hidden flower in the cup area off the center stem. This variety grows native off a tree trunk or in rocky areas with limited soil. A cherry red bromeliad houseplant potted in a container grows a root system that remains moist and takes up nutrients for the soil for a longer life than a wood-mounted plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 4- to 6-inch diameter pot
- Sphagnum peat moss
- Fine bark nuggets
- 17-8-22 bromeliad fertilizer
- Fan
Instructions
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Plant the cherry red bromeliad in a mixture of even parts sphagnum peat moss and fine bark nuggets. Use a 4-inch diameter pot for small plants or a 6-inch diameter pot for large plants.
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Set the plants in an area that receives bright filtered light and a temperature of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a fan near the plants if there is low air-circulation. Move the plants to less light if the leaves appear faded or damaged from bright sunlight.
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Fertilize the cherry red bromeliad by misting the plant with a 17-8-22 bromeliad fertilizer twice a month. Mix a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength if you are unable to find a bromeliad fertilizer.
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Apply water when the potting mix feels dry to the touch, or once a week, by pouring it carefully over the center of the plant. This method flushes stagnant water from the center growing point and provides moisture to the medium.
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Prevent insect or disease problems by keeping a fan near the plant for air circulation and not placing the container in a saucer filled with water for more than one hour when applying water.
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Tips & Warnings
Use rainwater or purchase water for the cherry red bromeliad if the tap water is hard. Salt and mineral deposits build up on the leaves and may damage the plant.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
