Bromeliads natural home are in the trees of the jungle or growing on the ground. Many designers have come to appreciate the beauty these plants give and use them in many homes. Bring some of the beauty into your house; following these directions should help in the growth of them while in your care.

When a Bromeliad is in “bloom” it is typically the bract that the longest color is being delivered from. This is the portion of the plant the comes vertical from the rest of the plant and is very colorful when in “bloom”. The actual flowers are typically purple in color and come out of the sides of the bracts and last for a day or two at a time. Alsip Home & Nursery carries Aechmea, Guzmania, Neoregelia and Vriesia Bromeliads. The plants require similar care to Orchids with the indirect light and allowing the soil to dry between watering. Instead of misting the leaves water needs to be put into the vase area of the leaf, this is where the leaf meets the base of the plant. Once again using distilled water. The original bromeliad plant does not re-flower but the pups or side shoots of the plants are the ones to flower.

Temperature

High temperatures maybe required for plants to bloom. (75º F) A minimum of 50º F is fine for foliage growth or plants that are already in flower.

Light

Most Bromeliads require very bright light away from direct sun.

Water

Rainwater is the best type of water to use if there is hard water. Keep the compost moist at all times and make sure there is good drainage in the pot. Keep water in the vase portion at all times. (Vase: the base of where the leaves meet the plant.) Using a potting soil high in peat is necessary or adding peat to a potting soil is recommended.

Repotting

Repotting should only be done when the plant is root bound and at that time only go up 2 sizes from the pot it is in. (i.e. If it is in a 4” pot go up to a 6” pot)

Try And Grow Your Own

When offsets appear at the base of the plant allow it to grow for a few months. Once it is several months old remove it with some roots attached and plant shallowly in Perlite. Keep the plant in a warm location and the compost moist until it has a good root system.