Family: Bromeliaceae
Common Name: Orange Bromeliad
Botanical Name: Guzmania species
Bromeliads are as easy to care for as houseplants can get. These low-maintenance indoor plants are primarily native to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas. They prefer high temperatures and humidity, but they are adaptable and can thrive in most home environments. Bromeliads flower once during their lifetime and generally decline a few months after they begin to bloom. However, it will focus its energy on propagating new plants after the plant flowers.
Light
Bromeliads can flourish in low, medium, or bright light, just as long as it is indirect. These indoor plants are known for their stunningly colorful leaves, so increase the amount of indirect sunlight to draw out the intensity of the colors. Cut back on the light your bromeliad receives for a more subdued look.
Water
Water when the soil is dry. Bromeliads grow around a central cup. In nature, this cup works like a reservoir that collects rainwater that is then absorbed into the plant. When growing a bromeliad as a houseplant, it can be watered through the cup and never directly into the soil as this may cause root rot.
If watering a bromeliad through the cup make sure to fill it no more than halfway. Do not leave the cup full for extended periods of time as this can promote rot. It is important to routinely rinse and flush the cup to remove any buildup of salts or minerals from the water.
Soil
Potting soil rich in nutrients and organic matter but still can drain well is the perfect growing medium for bromeliads. Most coco coir or peat-based potting soil mixes will be adequate but ensure they do not contain water-retentive crystals as they can cause the soil to stay moist, causing root rot continually. If you are feeling adventurous, try creating your own potting soil!
Temperature
Bromeliads prefer warmer temperatures, although they are tolerant and can handle most home environments. The ideal temperature for a bromeliad is 55-80°F.
Humidity
Bromeliads naturally grow in the tropics and subtropics, so they like higher humidity. These plants are adaptable and can do very well in average humidity. Keep in mind that indoor plants will need more humidity as interior temperatures rise.
Fertilizer
During the growing season fertilize with a complete liquid fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 the recommended strength, every 2-3 weeks, or use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. You can also apply organic compost to the top of the soil, making sure that you mix it into the upper-most layer. Water your bromeliad after applying the top-dressing. Learn more about how and when to fertilize your indoor plants!
Growth Rate
Bromeliads are slow-growing plants that only bloom once or twice in their lifetimes. Bromeliad Guzmania may grow up to 2 feet tall and broad, depending on the kind. It might take one to three years for them to grow into blooming plants. The blooms are exceptionally long-lasting, lasting two to four months. They are also plants with a brief lifespan. The mother plant of most indoor bromeliads can survive for two to five years before dying, and most bromeliad types die after flowering.
Pet Friend or Foe
Bromeliads are non-toxic! Friend!
Pro Tips
- Towards the end of their lifecycle, bromeliad plants send up a flower spike, but the colorful bracts or leaves surrounding the flower spike is the attention grabber. The flowers will typically last for several months.
- Bromeliads propagate by sending out pups or offsets. The small plants can be removed from the parent plant when they have a few roots and be planted on their own.
- In nature, bromeliad plants are epiphytic, which means they latch on to trees, other plants, and even rocks and pull all the moisture and nutrients they need from the air. For this reason, bromeliads can be grown and mounted to a board.