Plant Profile: Bromeliad

Plant Profile: Bromeliad

Plant Profile: Bromeliad

Despite looking like a high maintenance plant, a Bromeliad is quite easy to care for! They are hardy, easy to grow, and provide the most beautiful pop of colour and interest to your garden or indoor plant collection!

Preferred Living Conditions

Bromeliads are happiest in warm climates with bright indirect light! Make sure to plant in an area where it will only receive a few hours of direct sun each day. If you intend to plant in a cooler climate that is prone to frosts in winter, we recommend planting in a pot that can be moved inside during the cooler months. Luckily, our Willow Range of pots are lightweight and great for moving around!

Forever Home

Bromeliads are epiphytic which means they can grow on another plant, often a tree or stump, for support! However, they are equally as happy growing in your garden or in a pot. They do not need deep pots. In fact, they grow even better in a shallow pot!

While they may not necessarily live forever, your Bromeliad may produce a pup! Not the cute and fluffy type, but an offset that you can remove and start as a new plant! Pay attention to the base of your plant as that is where the pup will grow from. Once big enough, cut them off, plant them in moss or soil and watch as your new plant comes to life!

Keeping Up Appearances

Bromeliad leaves are sword-shaped and grow around their own water tank, also known as a central “cup”. A cup? Yes, a cup. It’s in the middle of the Bromeliad and while your plant should only be watered every 1-2 weeks, it is essential that the cup is always filled! Make sure to flush out and replace the water regularly to keep it fresh.  

When growing Bromeliads in pots, use a free-draining mix such as an orchid potting mix. If you want to try growing on a tree or a stump, place a ball of sphagnum moss around the roots and use fishing line or jute to attach the Bromeliad!

In Spring, it’s a good idea to use a slow-release fertilizer to give them an extra bit of nourishment during growing periods.

Fun fact: Bromeliads can be sensitive to tap water! If your Bromeliad looks unhappy no matter what you’re doing, try using filtered water or simply leaving water out overnight before watering. Who knew plants could be so picky?