How to Grow Bromeliads House Plant

Bromeliacae

Bromeliads are very popular plants. Native to tropical regions, Bromeliads like warm temperatures and higher humidity. They are easy to grow, indoors or out.  They do not need a lot of fertilizer or sunlight. Grown indoors, you should mist the leaves frequently.

Bromeliads have attractive, somewhat unusual foliage. It has thick, sword-like leaves, with stems that form a cup as it nears the stem. The cup functions to collect water for the plant.

Bromeliad plants produce flowers toward the end of their life cycle. Flowers come in a wide variety of colors, depending upon variety.  You can force blooms, by placing the plant and an apple in a bag for several days. The apple emits ethylene, promoting flower buds.

Number of Species: over 1,800

Life Span: 1 -2 years, perhaps a little more.

Did You Know?: Bromeliads are related to pineapples

Air Temperature Range: Outdoors: 50-85 degrees Farenheit.

Humidity: above normal

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Propagating Bromeliad Plants:

Towards the end of the plants' life cycle, Bromeliads produce flowers. At this point, begin to watch for tiny baby plants, growing from the base of the mother plant. These baby plants are called "pups".

When the pups get big enough to handle, separate them from the mother plant. You may use a knife to cut them away, avoiding damage to the pup. Plant pups in soft, rich, well draining soil. 

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How to Grow Bromeliads:

Bromeliad plants are easy to grow and care for. Grow them indoors or outdoors. If grown outdoors, the plants need to be moved indoors when low temperatures reach 50 degrees.

The plants grow well in partial sunlight to light shade.

Plants grow well in average, light, well draining soil. Soil should not be wet, as this can result in root rot. The plants can get all the water it needs, by collecting water in the cup-shaped leaf stems. If grown indoors, you should water the plants in this manner.

Fertilizer: For outdoor plants, apply 1/2 application of fertilizer, 2-3 times a year. For indoor plants, apply a 1/2 solution of liquid fertilizer monthly.

Mist the leaves of indoor plants every week or two, when humidity levels are low.

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