Bromeliad Plant Care
Bromeliads are a hearty flowering plant that can bring out the beauty in any garden or home. They are very easy to care for; because of this, they are a popular indoor plant. If you take good care of your bromeliad, you will have a beautiful addition to your home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Bromeliad Characteristics
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Bromeliads are a tropical plant found all across the Americas. They are found mainly in the warm climates of Peru, Chile, Colombia and Florida. These plants are known for their beauty. When they are in full bloom, they take many different shapes and sizes. They look and feel different. Some bromeliad plant leaves are thin, while others are flat and broad. Some feel sticky and some are soft. When in bloom, the leaves can be different colors, including maroon, red, yellow and white. The three most popular and common types of bromeliads are Guzmania, Tillandsia and Aechmea (see Reference 2).
Indoor Bromeliad Care
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Plants in the bromeliad family are excellent indoor plants. Their leaves and flowers are brilliantly colored and readily adapt to unfavorable indoor growing conditions. Bromeliads can be grown in many types of containers, including the popular clay and plastic pots. Bromeliads have a small root system, so smaller pots are adequate. Remove the plants from the pot when the root system completely fills the current container (see Reference 1) and transplant it to a larger pot. Plants grown in plastic pots, which retain moisture longer than clay pots, need watering less frequently.
Special consideration is necessary when choosing the soil in which to plant your bromeliad. Most bromeliads grow poorly if planted in a traditional potting soil; they are best grown in a porous organic soil that permits quick drainage of water and sufficient air circulation around the roots of the plant. Recommended soil mediums include peat, leaf mold, compost or coarse sand. If you must use a traditional potting soil, add 2 to 3 inches of one of these mediums to the soil (see Reference 1).
Bromeliads generally grow much better with a continuous nutrient supply. Therefore, add light applications of fertilizer. Add a generic liquid fertilizer to the potting mix every one to two months. Controlled-release fertilizers can also be added to the potting medium of established plants (see Reference 1).
Bromeliads are tropical plants. They like the warmth of the sun. If kept indoors, they prefer to be kept at a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Because of where they originate, bromeliads are tolerant of low-moisture conditions. They are also well-known for surviving tough periods of drought. They tolerate many light intensities, including low light. However, they prefer shaded areas and should not be placed in direct sunlight (see Reference 2). Under normal household conditions, they can be watered once a week (see Reference 1).
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Outdoor Bromeliad Care
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Many people find that the beauty of a bromeliad can enhance their outdoor garden. Bromeliads are particularly sensitive to extreme cold weather. If you choose to grow your plant outdoors, you should live in a frost-free area. If not, grow your plants in containers that can be brought inside during the winter. Extreme cold temperatures will scorch and injure your plant. If you live in an area where freezing is common and plant your bromeliad outdoors, cover with a plastic tarp or cloth to protect it (see Reference 1).
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References
Comments
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Why is my plant growing brown on the flower?
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Did you know that a bromeliad plant is actually a pineapple plant?
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Wow! I didn't know the pineapple is a bromeliad!
