How to Grow Bromeliads as Houseplants

How to Grow Bromeliads as Houseplants

Bromeliaceae

Bromeliads are very popular plants. Native to tropical regions, they like warm temperatures and higher humidity. Easy to grow indoors or out. They don't need much fertilizer or sunlight. Indoors, mist leaves frequently.

Bromeliads have attractive, unusual foliage—thick, sword-like leaves with stems forming a cup near the center. The cup collects water for the plant.

Bromeliads flower toward the end of their life cycle. Flowers come in many colors. 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 bit more
Did You Know? Bromeliads are related to pineapples
Air Temperature Range: Outdoors: 50–85°F
Humidity: above normal

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Propagating Bromeliad Plants

Near the end of the life cycle, bromeliads produce flowers. Watch for tiny baby plants ("pups") growing from the mother plant's base.

When pups are large enough to handle, separate them. Use a knife to cut them away, avoiding damage. Plant pups in soft, rich, well-draining soil.

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How to Grow Bromeliads

Easy to grow and care for. Grow indoors or outdoors. If outdoors, move indoors when temperatures reach 50°F.

Plants grow well in partial sunlight to light shade.

Average, light, well-draining soil. Soil shouldn't be wet—causes root rot. Plants get water by collecting it in cup-shaped leaf stems. Indoors, water this way.

Fertilizer: Outdoors: ½ application 2–3 times/year. Indoors: ½ solution liquid fertilizer monthly.

Mist indoor plant leaves every week or two when humidity is low.

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