Please reach us at natalia@unitedplantgrowers.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We recommend watering your bromeliad every one to two weeks when the soil feels nearly dry. You can also mist the leaves 1–2 times weekly to boost humidity, especially in drier indoor settings. Reduce watering during winter periods as the reduced light slows the metabolic processes in your bromeliad.
Pour water into the reservoirs formed by the leaves at the lower canopy of your bromeliad. These cups should be flushed and the water inside replaced each time you water to reduce stagnation. Let the water run into the soil. Make sure to allow the water to drain completely to prevent root rot. We recommend against watering the topmost colorful bracts in the center of your bromeliad where the flowers form.
We recommend against using fertilizer on your bromeliad as it should already be showing color on the bracts when you purchased it.
Indoor bromeliads require bright, indirect light. Fluorescent light is acceptable. If they are planted outdoors they require heavy shade from a tree canopy or shade cloth.
A bromeliad can last up to two years with optimum care. However, the color of the your flower will only last about 2 to 4 months. Bromeliads are monocarpic, meaning the mother plant dies after flowering and this heralds the end of its life cycle. Fading color and browning leaves occur as part of a natural decline. Factors like bright indirect light, consistent humidity, and proper watering can extend bloom duration.
After blooming, the mother plant begins to decline, focusing energy on producing pups. As the life of the mother plant fades, young bromeliads called pups will start to grow along the base inside and outside the leaves of the bottom canopy. If wish to extend the legacy of your bromeliad, you can separate the pups from the mother plant.
Wait until the pup is about one-third to one-half the size of the mother plant (usually 3–6 inches tall) and has its own roots or a sturdy base. Remove the mother plant from the soil and hold in firmly with your off-hand. Slide the thumb of your dominant hand between the mother plant and the pup and apply gentle pressure until it pulls free from the base. Pup growth can be accelerated by cutting the stalk off center flower completely. If you have a backyard you can also try planting the mother plant in a shady spot to see if it establishes itself.
Bromeliads can be planted outdoors but this offers a number of challenges as they are not adapted to handle extreme heat or cold. Results may vary, as they say. Your first order of business would be to plant your bromeliad in a heavily shaded area with good air circulation. The soil you use needs to drain to prevent root rot. A layer of mulch or bark helps. The leaves and soil need to be kept moist. If you live in an state that experiences colds snaps / freezing conditions, you will need to employ protective measures such as burlap or frost cloth in the winter. You can also dig up your bromeliad and bring it inside during extreme weather. An outdoor a pot will make transportation easier. Hardier varieties like Neoregelias and Aechmeas will have a higher success rate than Guzmanias.
Bromeliads are generally non-toxic to cats, according to sources like the ASPCA and pet-focused websites. They are considered safe houseplants for households with pets, posing no significant risk of poisoning if ingested. However, eating large amounts of any plant, including bromeliads, could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to their digestive systems not being designed for plant material. Additionally, the sharp edges of some bromeliad leaves might cause minor physical irritation or injury if chewed.
Here's a brief primer on bromeliad care.
Please reach us at natalia@unitedplantgrowers.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
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