How to grow Bromeliads

Getting Started

Plant Type

Bromeliads come in a variety of colors. Some have a stalk with a large showy flower on top, while others have small flowers which appear deep inside the cup.

There are a wide range to choose from:

Neoregelia

Neoregelia’s don’t have a clearly identifiable flower as other Bromeliads. Instead, the leaves in the centre gradually change colour from green to red to give this plant a delightfully different character. A wide choice or colours and type are available.

Guzmanias

The most striking thing about Guzmanias are the brightly coloured bracts that usually grow out of a beautiful rosette and together form a kind of funnel. In the wild this plant grows on trees (epiphytic)feeding via its hanging roots, but is not a parasite.

Vrieseas

Vrieseas have a large variety of colours which really brighten up your home. than one. Some Vrieseas have a coloured calyx while others have a branched inflorescence.

Tillandsias

Tillandsias come in an assortment of different shades of pink, orange and red. The leaves of most Tillandsia are narrow and pointed. Most Tillandsias are air plants (epiphytic) and grow on trees or rocks (lithophytic).

Aechmea

Their leaves look exactly like a lance-head (aechmea in Greek). Some species have unique markings on their leaves these make the plant even more decorative. Aechmeas can tolerate dry soil pretty well; pouring water into the calyx (funnel) a few times a week is enough.

Planting

If you buy a bromeliad from a garden centre and put it straight out into the hot sun, it’s likely to get sunburned. Always place it in dappled light to begin with, gradually moving it into stronger light over a period of months.

Planting into garden:

• Dig your hole about the size of the pot the plant came in, making sure it is free-draining.
• Add some garden mix and sheep pellets.
• Place plants and back fill with soil.
• Lightly water.
• Add a layer of mulch to help retain the moisture.
• Place any rocks or river stones if desired.

Planting onto logs, rocks, or trees:

• Place your bromeliad where you want it.
• Place sphagnum moss around to root system to keep roots damp, secure it in place with fishing line or jute.
• Secure your plant in place with fishing line or jute.
• Lightly water the sphagnum moss.

Planting into pots:

• Place a layer of scoria in the bottom of the pot for drainage.
• Use orchid mix in the pot, as this is free-draining.
• Dig a hole, place your plants, and back fill withorchid mix.
• Lightly water.
• You’ll only need to re-pot every 5 years or so.

Propagation

It’s simple to propagate, or breed, your bromeliad plants:

• Look for little ‘pups’ appearing at the base of the mother plant. They’ll keep producing these pups their whole life.
• Wait until the pups are of a sturdy size, then gently remove them from the side of the plant, taking care of the root system.
• Replant as you would a full-size specimen.
• A young bromeliad should flower within 2-3 years, depending on the species.

Watering

• Once planted and settled you no longer need to water the base of the plant. Bromeliads are watered into the central cup of the plant, which acts as a water reservoir.
• Keep the central cup ½ full in summer, and ¼ full in winter.
• Flush it out every couple of months to avoid bacteria from dirty water.
• If your home is dry, then mist them a couple of times a week.
• When indoors water monthly and let the water drain out of the pot.

Feeding

• Bromeliads aren’t fussy and don’t need much fertilizing as they are sensitive to over-feeding.
• In spring, sprinkle a slow-release fertiliser around the base of your bromeliads. This gives them a boost of nutrients during their growing period and improves their condition so they’re able to cope with the heat in summer.

Pests & Disease

• Bromeliads are very low maintenance. The worst you’ll get are mealy bugs and scale, which can be wiped off with alcohol and a cotton swab.
• Don’t use oil sprays as they can smother the plant.

Pruning

• Pruning is simple. Just remove any dead foliage or flower stalks as needed.
• Eventually the mother plant will die and need to be removed, but you should have plenty of pups to take its place.