Bromeliads are an incredibly diverse family of plants which includes Pineapples, Aechmeas, Guzmanias, Vriesia and Tillandsia Cyanea. Almost all Bromeliads are Epiphytes, plants that grow on plants, native to Tropical climates. Their original habitat is moist, warm and humid. They would normally grow on trees where they would receive filtered light coming down through the tree canopy above. The brightly coloured bracts, often confused for flowers, last for several months so make ideal houseplants. These are all fairly easy to care for, they just need watering differently to most other houseplants, so don`t be put off by their exotic look.
Bromeliads have adapted to withstand periods of drought, but are much less tolerant of being constantly overwatered. In nature the roots act to anchor the plant to what it`s growing on, they aren`t the main source of absorbing water so constant wet will cause them to rot. Most bromeliads have a central vase, water tank, where the leaves meet and form what looks like a cup. Water this once a week, if possible with rainwater. Water and nutrients are absorbed here via special hairs or cells, they basically try to capture what they need to survive. Flush this out occasionally with clean water to avoid stagnating and the build up of minerals. Water the compost in the pot sparingly, just a little to keep from drying out. As they much prefer high humidity it`s advisable to stand your Bromeliad on a saucer filled with decorative stones. Fill the saucer with water, keeping the water level below the stones and stand the bromeliad on top, making sure the roots aren`t touching the water. This will add moisture to the air around the plant.
Fertilise with a diluted half strength liquid feed once a month.
Keep your Bromeliad in natural, indirect light, avoid any direct sun.
Room temperature is ideal 18-24c
Minimum Temp: 15c
Bromeliads generally only flower once. Once the main flower bract of the mother plant has completely died off then remove as close to the base as possible. The plant will continue to grow leaves until, at some point, the centre of the plant becomes too crowded, and new leaves no longer form. The plant then focuses its energy on producing pups, offsets that will grow on and flower independently. Allow the pups to mature and once the mother plant has finally died remove them and repot them in free draining Bromeliad compost to enjoy. Don`t use too large a pot as this will allow too much water at the roots.
Warnings: Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.
