Bromeliad Basics – How Often to Water Bromeliad

Bromeliad are a type of plant that belong to the pineapple family. They are native to tropical regions, and can be found in rainforests, mountains, and even deserts. There are over 3,000 species of bromeliad, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Bromeliad can vary greatly in appearance, but most have thick, leathery leaves that form a rosette around a central cup or vase. The leaves may be green, red, yellow, purple, or even pink. Bromeliad also produce colorful flowers that grow from the center of the rosette.

Bromeliad can live for a few years, but their flowers only last a few months. Once a bromeliad flower has died, the plant will produce a offsets, or “pups”, which can be removed and planted to form new plants.

Bromeliad generally grow quite slowly, but some species can grow quite quickly. But generally, most bromeliad only grow a few centimeters per year.

There are three main types of bromeliad:
-Terrestrial Bromeliad –  These bromeliad grow in the ground and have roots that anchor them in place. They are typically found in rainforests and mountains.
-Epiphytic Bromeliad – These bromeliad grow on other plants or trees, and do not have roots of their own. They are often found in the crooks of branches high up in the rainforest canopy.
-Saxycolous Bromeliad – These bromeliad grow on rocks or in rocky soil. They are typically found in deserts or dry forest regions.

Bromeliad prefer to be in a dry out a bit between watering. You’ll only have to water about every 7 to 10 days.

Bromeliad can be watered with either rainwater or distilled water. If you are using tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours before watering your plant to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Bromeliad should be watered thoroughly, until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Do not allow your plant to sit in water, as this can cause root rot. Since bromeliad prefer to be on the dry side, it is better to underwater than to overwater.

Bromeliad prefer a well-draining, sandy soil. You can also use a potting mix designed for cacti and succulents.

Bromeliad should be fertilized every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a water-soluble fertilizer. During the winter months, you can reduce the frequency of fertilization to once in 6 weeks.

Bromeliad prefer bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some direct sun. If the leaves of your plant start to turn red, it is getting too much sun.

Bromeliad?
Bromeliad prefer warm temperatures, between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees, your plant may start to experience stress.

Bromeliad can be propagated by removing the offsets, or “pups”, that the plant produces. To remove an offset, carefully cut it away from the main plant with a sharp knife. The offset can then be planted in its own pot.

Bromeliad should be when they have outgrown their current pot. When repotting, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix with sandy soil, and water thoroughly after repotting.

The best pots for bromeliad are made of ceramic, clay, or plastic. Be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes in the bottom to prevent root rot.

Bromeliad can be pruned to remove dead leaves or flower stalks. To prune, use sharp, sterile shears .

When cutting bromeliad, be sure to make clean cuts just above where the leaf meets the stem. And if it’s to further shape the plant, make sure all cuts are pointing in the same direction.

Though this sight might alarm you, don’t worry, it’s natural! Bromeliad typically go through a browning phase as they age. If your plant is healthy and otherwise thriving, there’s no need to be concerned. The browning happens when the mother plant dies after blooming, and is perfectly normal.

The yellowing of bromeliad leaves can be caused by problems with its soil. Check your plant’s soil and see if a bit too moist or too dry. If the soil is too moist, it is most likely that overwatering is the cause of the problem.

Your droopy looking bromeliad plant could mean that it’s thirsty!  Check the soil to see if it needs watering. If the potting mix is too dry, water the plant thoroughly and wait to see if it perks up.

If the bromeliad’s flower has been blooming for a while and the plant is starting to wilt, it’s most likely that the plant is nearing the end of its life cycle. Bromeliads typically only bloom once and then die. However, the offsets produced by the plant can be propagated to keep the plant going.

See if you can figure out what’s causing the problem. If you can see that the leaves are wilting or turning yellow, check the soil to see if it’s too dry. If so, try giving your bromeliad distilled water and see if it helps. If the leaves are browning, it’s at the end of its life cycle. There’s not much you can do to revive it, but you can propagate the offsets to keep the plant going.
Bromeliad are excellent houseplants because they are easy to care for and add a splash of color to any room. They are also known to be natural air purifiers, so they can help improve the quality of indoor air. Bring life to your home with more lovely plants with the help of our guides.