Bromeliad Care

Common Name: Bromeliad
Scientific Name: Depends on variety
Lighting: Bright Light
Watering: Low to Moderate

Bromeliads consist of a large family of plants. Bromeliad house plants feature exotic looking foliage with colors varying from marbled green, red-striped, greenish gray and more. On most varieties a flower stalk rises from the center of the plant. In general, Bromeliads prefer bright light so if possible place in east or west facing windows. Watering Bromeliads is different then most house plants. Instead of watering near the base of the plant, you need to water by filling the center of the stalk (rosette) with warm water.

Most Bromeliad varieties prefer to be potted in a loose, coarse soil mix. Their roots do not like to be sitting in water, so over watering will cause the plant foliage to drop. Allow for good drainage by placing 1 - 2 inches of pebbles in the bottom of your pot and use pots where drainage holes exist. Due to this house plants exotic nature, Bromeliads prefer warm temperatures, making it a popular choice as an indoor house plant.

Most varieties of Bromeliads will produce offsets. These offsets can be cut or dug up and re-potted. The offsets usually will root quickly and continue growing into full sized Bromeliads!

Overall, I have found that Bromeliads are a medium maintenance house plant. With a little bit of tender care, Bromeliads make a beautiful addition to any room.

Popular Bromeliad House Plant Varieties

Common Name: Earth Star
Scientific Name: Crypthanthus hybrid
Characteristics: The Earth Star Bromeliad grows best under artificial lighting. Flowers appear to be a deep maroon and off-white color in most varieties.

Common Name: Urn Plant
Scientific Name: Aechmea fasciata
Characteristics: Foliage is a grayish green color, almost appearing to be covered in chalk. A pink flower appears through the rosette usually once a year.

Common Name: Scarlet Star
Scientific Name: Guzmania
Characteristics: Foliage is green with thin purple or maroon lines. This Bromeliad variety produces yellow, red or white flowers.

Common Name: Flaming Sword
Scientific Name: Vriesea splendens
Characteristics: Foliage is a brown and green color. A flaming red spike comes from the rosette topped with a bright yellow flower.

Common Name: Tillandsia
Scientific Name: Tillandsia cyanea
Characteristics: The Tillandsia is different then most Bromeliad varieties. This type thrives on air, not water. The Tillandsia prefers to grow with its roots uncovered or slightly covered with a moss type substance. The only watering this variety needs is a misting once a week.

Common Name: Striped Blushing
Scientific Name: Neoregelia carolinae
Characteristics: Foliage is green and white striped showing a bright pink coloration near the center for several months. This Bromeliad variety is popular during the holiday season for its holiday like appearance when in bloom.