Bromeliad Plant Guide: How to Grow and Care for Bromeliads

Bromeliads are flowering plants from the Bromeliaceae family, containing over 3,000 different species including the common pineapple, Spanish moss, air plants, and aloe-like plants with a series of cascading leaves. Many varieties of bromeliads have large green leaves which form a rosette pattern and distinctive flowers or colorful bracts.

Bromeliads are terrestrial plants (growing inside the ground with soil) or epiphytic plants (which grow without soil). After bromeliads flower, they tend to die but will leave behind small “pups” that can be used for propagation. The many varieties of bromeliad favor different types of climatic and growing conditions, but they are generally low-maintenance plants that are easy to divide.

Here is an overview of some of the most popular varieties of bromeliads to grow indoors.

1. 1. Aechmea: Bromeliads in the Aechmea genus are notable for their large brilliant flowers and their long life-spans, making them a popular choice for indoor planting. Some varieties of the Aechmea include the zebra plant (A. chantinii) and the urn plant (A. fasciata).
2. 2. Guzmania: Plants in the Guzmania genus are notable for their brightly colored leaves in hues like yellow, purple, and red that resemble flower petals. The blooms are hardy and will sometimes live for up to four months.
3. 3. Neoregelia: This short-growing variety of bromeliad has colorful foliage which lasts for much of the year and is one of the cold-hardiest species in the bromeliad family.
4. 4. Tillandsia: There are over 500 species of Tillandsia, making it one of the broadest genera in the Bromeliad family. Tillandsia are air plants or epiphytes, meaning that they grow free of soil, often attached to tree bark.
5. 5. Cryptanthus: Also known as earth stars, Cryptanthus have low-growing foliage forming a rosette pattern. They can be difficult to cultivate, but they grow well as potted plants and often live for most of the year if they are properly cared for.
   
6. 6. Hechtia: The Hechtia genus comprises at least 50 different species of bromeliads, all of which are native to Mexico. They typically have long, sharp leaves and are among the hardiest of growers, often found growing alongside cacti and succulents.

The ideal growing conditions for any given bromeliad will depend on the particular species you’re planting, but most of them grow best in bright, indirect sunlight. They are tropical plants that flourish in tropical, humid conditions characteristic of USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others, but most of them do well in temperatures between 50 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you don’t live in a tropical or temperate climate, think about planting your bromeliads indoors. Plant them inside in late spring or early summer to maximize the amount of light your plants will get. If you live in an area with a humid summer, you can also move your bromeliad plants outside during the summer months to help them on their way.

Bromeliads are easy to grow indoors.

1. 1. Choose your growing agent. You can buy a germinated, already-growing bromeliad plant from a store, propagate it from the tiny pups that have sprouted off of a dying plant, or grow it from seed.
2. 2. Germinate your seeds. If you are growing bromeliads from seeds, you will need to germinate them before you plant them in a container. Fill a small, clean food container with a slightly acidic potting medium like peat moss and vermiculite. Poke holes in the top of the container so that light and air can pass through while retaining moisture. Soak the potting mixture so that it is damp but not saturated with water. Place your seeds on top of the soil and do not cover them with soil. Cover the container, and store it in a humid place that doesn’t get direct sunlight but will have plenty of heat. Within three weeks, your seedlings should sprout. Continue to watch them and soak your potting mixture in water if it dries out. Once your seedlings have two to three leaves, they are ready to transplant.
3. 3. Choose your container. Choose a pot with a good amount of drainage holes in the bottom with a dish to collect excess water. You should have loose, well-draining soil with a pH of five to six. The container should be no more than a third larger than the root ball of your bromeliad plant if you are planting a mature plant.
4. 4. Choose a spot with the right amount of light. Choose a place to set up your pot that will receive a lot of indirect light throughout the day. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves, so keep an eye on your plant and make sure it’s not drying out.
5. 5. Choose your potting soil. Bromeliads like healthy soil that drains well. Choose a premium potting mix that is well-draining but retains moisture and fill your container with the soil.
6. 6. Pot your plant. Carefully place the base of your plant or seedling in the pot and cover its roots with more potting mix. Gently pat down the soil without compressing it too much and immediately water your plant until the water begins to drain out the bottom of the pot.

Many bromeliads won't flower, but if they do it means your plant has begun a process of dying off. Dying bromeliads produce “pups” which are new plants near the base of the existing plant that can be used to propagate more plants. You will be able to recognize them by their new leaves around a smaller well or cup at the base of your parent plant.

You can either allow the offshoots in the original container to take over from the dying mother or use gardening shears to trim the pups as close to the base as possible. Then, you can re-pot them to start a new bromeliad plant.

If you’re growing a bromeliad from seed, it may take two to three years to mature. If you are patient and care for your bromeliads properly, you can grow a lush, vibrant plant. Follow these tips to ensure your bromeliads continue to grow and flourish.

1. 1. Water your bromeliad into its “cup.” Instead of watering the bromeliad soil, you will pour water into the center of the bromeliad’s leaves which is called the “cup.” Fill the central cup with water every ten days. If there is excess water in the plant's cup after ten days, dump it out and replace it with fresh water. Periodically mist the soil to keep it moist, but do not saturate it with water because that may cause root rot.
2. 2. Feed your plant regularly. You will need to feed your bromeliads with fertilizer after they have been planted for a month. In the wild, the plants eat bits of insects, leaves, and flowers. When growing indoors, use a liquid fertilizer spray on the plant's leaves to give it the organic matter it needs to flourish.
3. 3. Be mindful of the proper light conditions. You may have to move your plant if it's not getting enough light or if it’s getting too much. If your plant’s leaves are drooping, give it a little more sunlight. If its leaves look dried out, move it to a place with less light.

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