The bromeliad family of plants (Bromeliaceae) contains thousands of species of plants. Among these is the popular pineapple plant and hundreds that are well-loved for their showy, attractive blossoms and foliage. Although they have had a reputation of being “fancy” or “exotic” and difficult to grow, they’re actually quite easy to keep and bring to full bloom with the right growing conditions. Here we’ll take you through 17 of the most popular types of Bromeliad Plants to grow at home plus essential care tips to ensure they thrive in your own unique living space.
- About Bromeliads
- Bromeliad Plants: Uses & Benefits
- Bromeliad Plants: Meanings & Symbolism
- Popular Types of Bromeliad Plants to Grow at Home (Indoors or in the Garden)
- 1. Portea Bromeliad (Portea spp.)
- 2. Sapphire Tower Bromeliad (Puya alpestris)
- 3. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)
- 4. Hechtia Bromeliad (Hechtia spp.)
- 5. Aechmea Bromeliad (Aechmea spp.)
- 6. Quesnelia Bromeliad (Quesnelia spp.)
- 7. Pineapple Bromeliad (Ananas comosus)
- 8. Earth Star Bromeliad (Cryptanthus spp.)
- 9. Canistropsis Bromeliad (Canistropis spp.)
- 10. Tufted Air Plant (Guzmania spp.)
- 11. Pitcairnia Bromeliad (Pitcairnia spp.)
- 12. Billbergia Bromeliad (Billbergia spp.)
- 13. Dyckia Bromeliad (Dyckia spp.)
- 14. Nidularium (Nidularium spp.)
- 15. Hohenbergia stellata
- 16. Neoregelia (Neoregelia spp.)
- 17. Flaming Sword Bromeliad (Vriesea spp.)
- How to Grow Bromeliad Plants at Home
- How to Care for Bromeliad Plants
- Common Bromeliad Problems, Pests & Diseases
- Essential Tools for Bromeliad Plants
- Bromeliad Plants FAQ:
About Bromeliads
The plant family Bromeliaceae contains 75 genera and almost 3,600 species of the plants we commonly refer to as bromeliads. All bromeliads are native to the Americas except for one which is endemic to West Africa. The plant family contains mostly epiphytes (those that typically grow on the surface of another plant or tree and obtain their nutrients from the air and water), but also some succulents and terrestrial species (those that are land-dwelling and typically grow in soil bases drawing their nutrients from the ground).
Bromeliads are flowering monocots that feature a central rosette of foliage that is usually spear or lance-shaped with a central watering/feeding cup. These plants produce a central inflorescence or stalk of flowers.
Bromeliad Plants: Uses & Benefits
Food
While many South and Central American cultures use various bromeliad blossoms and berries as food, the Ananas comosus (pineapple) is the only commercially important bromeliad that’s grown and imported as a food crop.
Air Purification
Whilst most plants actively purify the air during the daytime, bromeliads actually remove toxins and release oxygen at night. This makes them a good addition to your houseplant collection for ’round-the-clock’ fresh air.
Ornamental
Bromeliads are largely prized for their alluring central blossoms and bright, colorful foliage in certain species. They’re relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them the perfect decor accent for homes and offices.
Bromeliad Plants: Meanings & Symbolism
The Aztec, Inca, and Mayan cultures used every part of bromeliad plants for food, to create shelter and clothing fibers, and bromeliads even had a place in their spiritual practices. As a result, bromeliads became known as gifts from the gods and took on a high level of spiritual symbolism.
Due to the circular, fortress-like appearance of their leaf rosettes that surround their central cups and blossoms, bromeliad houseplants also symbolize protection and sanctuary.
Popular Types of Bromeliad Plants to Grow at Home (Indoors or in the Garden)
Bromeliad plants add visual interest and beauty to any interior, making them perfect for your home or office or to give as gifts. Be sure the species you select will be happy in its new home with the proper lighting, temperature, humidity, and other care and environmental preferences.
With thousands of plant species in the bromeliad plant family, green thumbs have a great variety of bromeliads to choose from. So, you should have no trouble finding one that’s perfect for your lifestyle. The following bromeliads are some of the most popular varieties for growing and gifting:
1. Portea Bromeliad (Portea spp.)
About:
Portea is a genus containing nine species of particularly striking bromeliads that are native to Brazil’s Atlantic coast. This group of bromeliads produces sharp foliage and extraordinarily beautiful blooms in vibrant shades of hot pink, blue, and violet that lend these plants an otherworldly mystique.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance |
| Soil: | Well-draining, porous, and rich potting mix |
| Light: | Full sun |
| Temp & Humidity: | Frost sensitive, but can survive winter temperatures down to about 30°F. Prefers about 60% humidity. |
| Watering: | Drought-tolerant. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry and do not let the plant sit in standing water. |
| Feeding: | Fertilize once a year by applying a water-soluble fertilizer to the soil. |
| Growth: | Slow growing. Mature plants can reach nearly 4 feet in height. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
2. Sapphire Tower Bromeliad (Puya alpestris)
About:
Another striking beauty from the bromeliad plant family, the Puya alpestris or sapphire tower bromeliad features three to four-foot-tall blossoming stalks that last about one to two months. Native to central and southern Chile, this bromeliad looks like it comes from another planet with its metallic, teal-colored, 2-inch blossoms that feature bright-orange anthers in their centers.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance |
| Soil: | Well-draining |
| Light: | Full to partial sun |
| Temp & Humidity: | This plant is cold-tolerant and can be grown outdoors in climates that get down to 15°F to 20°F in winter. Aim for summer temperatures above 70°F and low to moderate humidity. |
| Watering: | Water once a week in summer and once a month in winter. |
| Feeding: | Spring only, fertilize with a water-soluble succulent food at half strength. |
| Growth: | Mature plants reach about 4 feet in height. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
3. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)
About:
Tillandsia is a genus in the bromeliad plant family containing about 650 species of bromeliads commonly called air plants. Air plants have lightweight seeds and special, water-absorbing cells on their leaves that enable them to thrive just about anywhere (telephone wires, tree branches, rocks, fridge magnets, or cute soilless planters).
| General Care: | Easy to grow and extremely low-maintenance |
| Soil: | Never plant in soil |
| Light: | Bright, filtered sunlight |
| Temp & Humidity: | Prefers moderate humidity and average indoor temperatures. |
| Watering: | In an arid environment, bathe/submerge air plants weekly for 2 to 3 hours. In a cool or humid home, mist completely once or twice a week in summer and once a month in winter. |
| Feeding: | Once in spring only add a pinch of bromeliad or orchid fertilizer to your bath or misting water. |
| Growth: | Very slow growing. Reaches 6 to 8 inches in diameter at maturity. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
4. Hechtia Bromeliad (Hechtia spp.)
About:
Hechtia is a genus of about 75 species of terrestrial bromeliads. These plants thrive in arid environments and tend to grow in rocky outcroppings or sandy soil alongside other cacti and succulents. Like other bromeliads, hechtia plants have a central rosette of lance-shaped leaves. Unlike other bromeliads, these leaves are generally thick and spiny similar to those of other desert succulents.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance with careful moisture management |
| Soil: | Well-draining, sandy soil |
| Light: | Full sun to partial shade. Less sunlight will slow growth. |
| Temp & Humidity: | Average indoor temperatures and moderate humidity. |
| Watering: | Spring and summer, water regularly when the top 2 two inches of soil feel dry. Reduce watering in fall and winter. |
| Feeding: | Feeding is not generally needed. To promote growth, feed once in spring with a cactus or succulent fertilizer. |
| Growth: | Mature plants achieve an 18-inch diameter. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
5. Aechmea Bromeliad (Aechmea spp.)
About:
This genus contains about 250 flowering plant species in the bromeliad family. They grow natively throughout the Caribbean and from Mexico through South America, and they are some of the most popular houseplant bromeliads. The genus name Aechmea comes from the Greek word for spear tip, and it refers to these plants’ rosettes of pointed spear-shaped leaves. In bloom, aechmea bromeliads have a bulbous, spiked central flower head.
| General Care: | Easy and low-maintenance |
| Soil: | Any supportive soil mix will do. |
| Light: | Indirect sunlight to partial shade |
| Temp & Humidity: | Temperatures above 55°F and moderate humidity |
| Watering: | Ensure the plant’s central cup is always filled with water. Change water frequently to prevent bacterial growth. |
| Feeding: | Once during the growing season, feed a water-soluble or liquid fertilizer. |
| Growth: | Slow-growing. Reaches about 2 feet tall and wide at maturity. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
6. Quesnelia Bromeliad (Quesnelia spp.)
About:
This genus of bromeliads native to eastern Brazil contains 22 species of flowering plants. Most species of quesnelia bromeliads feature pineapple-shaped blossoms in vibrant shades of red, pink, yellow, or purple. Like several other genera of bromeliads, Quesnelia contains all epiphytes, meaning they grow from trees in their natural habitat and don’t do well in overly moist soils.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance |
| Soil: | Sturdy, well-draining soil |
| Light: | Bright, filtered sunlight |
| Temp & Humidity: | Average indoor temperatures and moderate humidity |
| Watering: | Water once or twice a week, ensuring the plant’s central cup always has water in it. |
| Feeding: | Add water-soluble orchid or bromeliad fertilizer to its water once or twice during the growing season. |
| Growth: | Slow-growing |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
7. Pineapple Bromeliad (Ananas comosus)
About:
Native to South America, the pineapple is probably the most popular bromeliad worldwide – not for growing as a houseplant, but for eating, of course! With a rosette of leaves like other bromeliads, the pineapple plant bears its familiar tropical fruit from its central inflorescence.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance but more difficult to grow in northern climates. |
| Soil: | Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil |
| Light: | Bright, direct sunlight for 8 hours each day to produce fruit |
| Temp & Humidity: | 65°F to 95°F and moderate to high humidity |
| Watering: | Keep soil moist but not soggy by watering once a week when the soil feels dry. |
| Feeding: | Feed your pineapple plant a balanced fertilizer once every two months and once every two weeks once its flower has formed. |
| Growth: | Mature plants reach 3 to 5 feet tall. |
| Toxicity: | Immature pineapple fruit is poisonous for pets and people, and other parts of the plant can be toxic to pets. |
8. Earth Star Bromeliad (Cryptanthus spp.)
About:
The Cryptanthus genus contains about 1,200 species of bromeliads. Commonly called earth stars, these plants have rosettes of attractive foliage that can range in color (and combinations of colors) from green to pink. Their foliage can be solid in color, but sometimes it also features widely varied patterns with stripes, splotches, bands, and spots.
| General Care: | Easy to grow and low-maintenance |
| Soil: | Well-draining, coarse, acidic soil |
| Light: | Bright indirect or filtered sunlight |
| Temp & Humidity: | 60°F to 85°F and moderate to high humidity |
| Watering: | Can tolerate short periods of drought, but try to keep soil evenly moist and never soggy by watering when the top inch or two of soil is dry. |
| Feeding: | Fertilize every 3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. |
| Growth: | Reaches between 3 and 36 inches within a 3-year lifespan, depending on the species |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
9. Canistropsis Bromeliad (Canistropis spp.)
About:
The Canistropisis genus contains 11 species of bromeliads that are native to the Atlantic forests of southeastern Brazil. Canistropisis bromeliads feature a rosette of lance-shaped leaves and a brightly colored central blossom in bright yellow, orange, pink, or red.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance and easy to grow |
| Soil: | Peaty, well-draining, acidic potting mix |
| Light: | Partial sunlight |
| Temp & Humidity: | 45°F (nighttime low) to 95°F (daytime high) and moderate to high humidity |
| Watering: | Keep soil constantly moist but never soggy with frequent watering and misting. |
| Feeding: | Spring and summer only, feed a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength once or twice a month. |
| Growth: | Indoors, mature plants reach about 8-inches tall. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
10. Tufted Air Plant (Guzmania spp.)
About:
When you see a bromeliad in a garden center, the chances are high that you’re looking at some of the more than 120 species from the Guzmania genus. Commonly called tufted air plants, some varieties of guzmania bromeliads feature small, white tufts that appear among their brightly colored central bracts. Popular varieties feature fiery colors like pink, purple, orange, red, and yellow.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance and easy to grow |
| Soil: | Plant in a well-draining, porous, and coarse orchid soil in a pot weighed down with stones. |
| Light: | Filtered sunlight or partial shade |
| Temp & Humidity: | Temperatures no lower than 55°F and high humidity |
| Watering: | Keep the plant’s central cup filled with filtered or distilled water and change the water frequently to prevent bacterial growth. |
| Feeding: | Spring and summer only, add a balanced fertilizer to the plant’s water every two weeks. |
| Growth: | Can reach up to 2-feet tall depending on the species |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
11. Pitcairnia Bromeliad (Pitcairnia spp.)
About:
After the air plants, Pitcairnia is the second-largest genus in the bromeliad family with just under 400 species. While most species from this genus are native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, one species grows natively in West Africa, and it’s the only bromeliad that is not native to the Americas. Several species feature prominent bracts and flower blossoms.
| General Care: | Easy to grow and low-maintenance |
| Soil: | Well-draining, porous potting mix (half perlite and half soil) |
| Light : | Full, filtered sunlight to partial shade |
| Temp & Humidity: | 70°F to 80°F and high humidity |
| Watering : | Prefers moist soil that’s never soggy. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. |
| Feeding: | Feed a balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer only. |
| Growth: | Mature plants can reach 2 to 5 feet in diameter depending on the species. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
12. Billbergia Bromeliad (Billbergia spp.)
About:
The Billbergia genus of bromeliads contains about 60 species. While there is quite a bit of variation among them regarding their appearance and natural environment, some species grow naturally at a fairly high altitude, making them good choices for growing outdoors in more moderate climates.
| General Care: | Easy to grow and low-maintenance |
| Soil: | Well-draining, porous, slightly acidic potting mix |
| Light : | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Temp & Humidity: | Prefer average indoor temperatures around 70°F, but can tolerate a range from 26°F to 100°F. High humidity with well-circulated air. |
| Watering: | Prefers moist soil that is never soggy. Water when the soil has dried completely and keep the plant’s central cup filled with filtered water. |
| Feeding: | Do not fertilize, as over-feeding can prevent blossoming. |
| Growth: | Mature plants reach 8 to 36 inches in height depending on the species. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
13. Dyckia Bromeliad (Dyckia spp.)
About:
Dyckia is a genus of bromeliads that are popular choices for xeriscaping in moderate to temperate climates. Thanks to their thick, waxy leaves, they can withstand periods without moisture. Species of dyckia bromeliads vary, but several resemble small octopi or squids with tentacle-like leaves that have edges lined with spines or spikes.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance, but it’s slightly challenging to mimic natural moisture conditions |
| Soil: | Well-draining potting mix formulated for succulents |
| Light: | Full sun |
| Temp & Humidity: | 70F to 90F and moderate humidity |
| Watering: | Spring and summer, keep the soil evenly moist with frequent watering. Reduce watering in fall and winter. |
| Feeding: | Do not fertilize. |
| Growth: | 8 inches to several feet wide depending on the species |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
14. Nidularium (Nidularium spp.)
About:
The Nidularium genus contains about 25 species of plants in the bromeliad family. The genus name is the Latin word meaning “little nest” and describes the nest-like look of the plant’s central inflorescence which rests just above its surrounding green foliage. They feature brightly colored bracts and white, purple, or red flowers.
| General Care: | Easy to grow |
| Soil: | Well-draining, fertile soil |
| Light: | Bright, indirect or filtered sunlight |
| Temp & Humidity: | 65°F to 80°F and humidity of at least 60% to 70% |
| Watering: | Water about once a week in summer. Reduce watering in winter to prevent overly moist soil. Use filtered or soft water. |
| Feeding: | In spring and summer only, add a water-soluble, diluted, balanced fertilizer to the plant’s central cup once a month. |
| Growth: | Grows slowly. Mature plants grow to between 15 and 50 inches depending on species. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
15. Hohenbergia stellata
About:
In Latin, stellata means “set with stars,” and that is the perfect description of the Hohenbergia stellata‘s flowers. This bromeliad features vibrant green foliage and a central blooming spire that can reach up to about 40 inches in height. In bloom, this spire is covered with clustered bursts of spiky, purplish-red blossoms.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance |
| Soil : | Well-draining, porous soil |
| Light: | Bright to medium filtered or indirect sunlight |
| Temp & Humidity: | 65°F to 80°F and moderate humidity |
| Watering: | Prefers lightly moist (never soggy) soil. Keep the central cup filled with filtered water and change frequently to prevent bacterial growth. |
| Feeding: | Spring and summer, feed with a balanced fertilizer in the central cup’s water every other week. Reduce fertilization to once a month in fall and winter. |
| Growth: | In its natural habitat, this bromeliad can reach 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
16. Neoregelia (Neoregelia spp.)
About:
Neoregelia is a genus of about 90 epiphytic plants in the bromeliad family. This type of bromeliad has an inflorescence that blossoms in the plant’s central cup that’s usually filled with water, and the foliage surrounding the central cup is typically brightly colored with shades of pink or red. Several species and hybrids from this genus are commonly cultivated as houseplants for their beautiful foliage.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance and easy to grow |
| Soil: | Use a supportive soil mixture that drains easily and does not hold much moisture. |
| Light: | Indirect or filtered light to partial shade |
| Temp & Humidity: | 55F or higher and moderate to high humidity |
| Watering: | Keep filtered or soft water in the plant’s central cup at all times and change it frequently to prevent bacterial growth. |
| Feeding: | During the growing season, add a highly diluted amount of balanced liquid fertilizer to the plant’s central cup once a month. Too much fertilizer will turn the plant’s foliage into a deep-green color. |
| Growth: | Mature plants range from 2 to 12 inches in height depending on the species. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
17. Flaming Sword Bromeliad (Vriesea spp.)
About:
Vriesea is a genus of bromeliads that are commonly referred to as flaming sword plants for their showy, fiery-colored, sword-shaped inflorescence spikes. Species of this genus have no roots. Instead, they have special parts that anchor them to the bark of trees called holdfasts. They take in water and nutrients solely through their central cups.
| General Care: | Low-maintenance and easy to grow |
| Soil: | Can be grown without soil, attached to a piece of bark or wood. When using soil, create a sturdy potting mix that’s half soil and half perlite or bark. |
| Light: | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Temp & Humidity: | 60F to 80F and at least 50% humidity |
| Watering: | Use filtered or soft water to keep the plant’s central cup filled. Change water frequently to prevent bacterial growth. |
| Feeding: | During spring and summer, fertilize once a month with a diluted, water-soluble fertilizer applied in the central cup. |
| Growth: | Mature plants reach about 18 inches in height. |
| Toxicity: | Non-toxic to people and pets |
How to Grow Bromeliad Plants at Home
What to Do Before Planting Bromeliads
Prior to planting a bromeliad, ensure you have the proper supplies and the perfect place picked out in your home or office.
Bromeliad Planting Supplies:
You’ll need a potting mix, pebbles, and a draining container that’s an inch or two larger than your bromeliad. Bromeliads don’t have large root systems, and too much spare room can hold too much moisture. Bromeliads are best suited to traditional potting vessels that sit on the floor or tabletop. Additionally, you’ll need a pair of sturdy gardening gloves for handling your plant because some bromeliads have sharp edges and points.
Picking the Best Location for Your Bromeliad Plant:
Most bromeliads prefer a humid location that receives lots of filtered/indirect sunlight. To determine the best location in your home or office for your new plant, take a look at what environmental conditions your species of bromeliad prefers. Likely, your bromeliad will fare best in a spot with a south-facing window where its leaves won’t be scorched by the sun.
The Best Soil Mix for Bromeliad Plants
As bromeliad plants are predominantly epiphytes or terrestrial species, your soil requirements are going to be very specific to the type of plant you’re growing.
An epiphyte is a type of plant that grows on tree bark and rocks rather than in soil. Epiphytes take up moisture and nutrients through special cells on their leaves, rather than through their roots. As a result, bromeliads should never be potted in straight potting soil because they will hold too much moisture and could damage the plant.
For terrestrial bromeliad species – the best potting mix for bromeliads is well-draining, porous, coarse, and slightly acidic (pH 4 to 7). You can use a potting mix created specifically for bromeliads, or you can make your own by mixing 1 part potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part peat or bark. Bromeliads can also grow in soilless potting media.
In a pinch, a potting mix for orchids or cacti will also do.
For more, see our comprehensive guide to the best potting and soil mix for Bromeliad plants.
How to Plant a Bromeliad
- Gather supplies (potting vessel, potting mix, pebbles, gloves, and soft water).
- Layer the bottom of your pot with pebbles. This creates extra weight that will prevent your top-heavy bromeliad from tipping.
- Now, add a layer of potting mix that will allow the top of your bromeliad’s root system to rest a couple of inches below the top of the container.
- Place the bromeliad in the pot and fill potting mix in around its root system until completely covered and about one inch remains between the top of the potting medium and the top of the pot.
- Add a bit of water to the potting medium and ensure it drains completely.
- Fill the bromeliad’s center cup with water.
- Change water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.
Bromeliad Light Preferences
Since dappled sunlight beneath a canopy of rainforest trees fills the average bromeliad plant’s native environment, most bromeliads prefer to receive a full day of bright, indirect/filtered sunlight rather than direct sunlight or complete shade.
Too much sunlight can scorch a bromeliad’s leaves, and too little sunlight can cause slow growth, no blossoming, or muted colors.
See our full guide to Bromeliad plant light considerations here.
Bromeliad Temperature & Humidity Preferences
Depending on your bromeliad’s native environment, it will prefer warmer or cooler temperatures. Despite these differences, most bromeliads will thrive in average indoor temperatures that hover around 70°F with an environment of moderate to high humidity.
If you live in an arid environment, consider adding a tray of pebbles and water beneath your bromeliad’s container to increase humidity or practice frequent misting with soft water.
How to Care for Bromeliad Plants
Although a few bromeliads have outlying care preferences, the vast majority prefer the following highly similar conditions and care.
When and How to Water Bromeliad Plants
With their unique root systems, bromeliads take up most of their water from humidity in the air and the water that gathers in their central cups. To water your bromeliad, fill its central cup with water and mist its leaves frequently (especially, in hot, dry conditions).
Your bromeliad’s potting mix should remain moist and humid, but never soggy to prevent root rot to which bromeliads are particularly sensitive. Add water to the bromeliad’s soil when the top inch or two feel dry and allow all excess water to drain completely. You will need to water the soil more frequently in hot, dry conditions than in cool, wet weather.
All bromeliad plants are sensitive to metals in their water. Water your bromeliad plants with soft water, distilled water, or filtered water, and do not use a metal watering can.
For more, see our full guide to watering bromeliad plants at home.
Bromeliad Light Preferences
Bromeliads prefer to receive 6 to 8 hours of filtered or indirect sunlight every day. Direct sunlight can scorch the plant’s leaves, and too little sunlight can stunt growth, blossoming, and coloration.
Feeding & Fertilizing Bromeliad Plants
Bromeliads tend to be slow growers and light feeders. As a result, they do not require much fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can diminish the vibrant colors of some bromeliad varieties.
However, you can promote growth once a month in spring and summer by feeding your bromeliad a well-balanced, half-strength, water-soluble fertilizer. Add this fertilizer directly to your bromeliad’s central cup when watering.
For more, see our comprehensive guide to feeding and fertilizing Bromeliad plants at home.
Pruning Bromeliads
Bromeliad foliage does not need to be pruned. However, their large, showy blossoms and central inflorescence should be removed once spent. Bromeliads only blossom once in their lifetime, and removing the spent flower will allow the plant to focus all its energy and nutrients on the new pups it will begin to develop.
Once the blossom is spent, use clean, sharp pruning shears to snip it off as close to the base of the plant as you can without damaging the bromeliad’s healthy, live foliage.
For more, see our full guide to pruning bromeliad plants at home.
Propagation Bromeliads
After blooming, a bromeliad will develop new offshoots called pups that can be used to propagate your plant. As your parent plant begins to die, pups will develop near the base of the plant.
Allow the pups to remain attached to the parent plant until they reach about 1/3 of the parent’s size. At this point, they can be trimmed away from the plant. Be sure pups have begun to develop root systems and central cups before you plant them in their own pots.
When & How to Repot a Bromeliad Plant
Most bromeliads purchased from a store or florist will not require repotting since their lifecycles are rather short. However, when growing a bromeliad from a pup, it will benefit from repotting when it outgrows its container.
You can repot a bromeliad once you notice parts of its root system protruding from the potting mix or out the bottom of its pot. Choose a container that’s one or two inches larger than its current container and repot in the spring or summer during the growing season.
Common Bromeliad Problems, Pests & Diseases
Bromeliads can sometimes be prone to scale, mealybugs, and aphids, but they’re actually quite naturally resistant to pests. However, there are some problems common to these beauties.
Overwatering and Root Rot
As epiphytes, bromeliads are particularly susceptible to root rot which occurs when the plant’s environment is too moist for its root system. As a result, bacteria develop and rots the plant’s roots.
Unsuitable Container
Pots that are too large or don’t drain will hold too much moisture in the potting mix, leading to root rot.
Heavy Metals in Water
Heavy metals in hard water not only leave water spots on bromeliad foliage, but can also clog the foliage’s water and nutrient intake cells and damage the plant’s sensitive system.
Essential Tools for Bromeliad Plants
Low-maintenance bromeliads do not require any specialized tools for their care, but you should have the following items on hand if you plan to grow a bromeliad:
- Distilled, soft, or filtered water
- Non-metal watering can
- Misting bottle
- Protective gardening gloves
- Bromeliad potting mix
- Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
Wrap Up
Whether you choose to grow a portea for its brilliant blossom, a guzmania for its vibrant inflorescence or make an attempt at growing your own pineapple, you’ll find that bromeliads are a joy to cultivate indoors and outdoors with little work or specialized care.
If you’re looking for your next bromeliad plant to add to your collection, see our guide to the best plant shops delivering bromeliads nationwide.
Bromeliad Plants FAQ:
Do bromeliads only flower once?
Most bromeliad species will only bloom once during their lifespan. The flower produced will typically last anywhere up to 6 months before it starts to decline.
How long do bromeliad plants live?
With due care and attention, most bromeliad plants can live anywhere up to 5 years.
Are bromeliads good indoor plants?
Bromeliad plants make great indoor plants to add to your houseplant collection. These plants are very tolerant of a range of low to medium, indirect light conditions making them suitable for lots of different living and office spaces. Once set up they’re generally very low maintenance to care for and are well regarded for their ability to purify the air and remove harmful toxins.
Are bromeliads poisonous?
Bromeliad plants are non-toxic to both humans and animals.
What do bromeliad plants symbolize?
The bromeliad plant was used extensively by the Incas, Aztecs, and the Mayans for a range of practical and ceremonial purposes. Today, the bromeliad plant is symbolic of protection and sanctuary.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
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