Bromeliaceae

Bromeliads are just as comfortable develop indoors as they are outdoors .

Can you believe it ? !

Here in Florida , they make stunning additions to gardens and landscape class - pear-shaped . But that ’s not always possible in place where temperatures take a dive in descent and winter .

A close up horizontal image of variegated purple, green, and white bromeliads growing in the garden.

In region where seasonal low gear make it impossible to lend these tropical plants directly to the landscape painting , indoor growing can bring a touch of the tropics inside your home all twelvemonth long .

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Or , if you love their vivid colours and succulent farewell but do n’t need to expend time in the heat of the open to appreciate them even in warmer locales , indoor ontogenesis is a great alternative .

A close up vertical image of colorful bromeliads growing in the garden. To the center and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

Plus , a distinctive or colorful container can add additional appeal before blush form .

Some types of bromeliads might even make more sense in cultivation when spring up as houseplants .

They can pin down water among their leaves and hold it for prospicient period of time , which can draw in mosquitoes and other insects to the landscape . Others can be bestride for an awesome display that remains protect inside .

A close up horizontal image of a bright red bromeliad flower pictured on a soft focus background.

It ’s super gentle to comprise these lovely specimens into interior outer space without a huge tussle , or lots of time devoted to handle . In fact , they preferlesscaretaking !

Let ’s blab about what it takes to maturate bromeliads as houseplant . I ’ll plow all the entropy you need to start and maintain your own . Here ’s what ’s to come :

What You’ll Learn

Need a papa of red-hot pink to invigorate up your home base ? Perhaps a electric shock of recondite red ink for some drama ? These gorgeous succulent have you covered .

Plus , hefty plants readily produce outgrowth , so if you have a whole list of houseplant lovers on your talent list or you ca n’t get enough of them for your own home , it may save you some money to split up and repot them . Who does n’t love devoid houseplant ?

crumple up – we have a pot to embrace , so rent ’s get commence .

A close up horizontal image of a bromeliad plant with a bright orange flower.

What Are Bromeliads?

Bromeliads are members of the Bromeliaceae family , which includes dozens of genera and more than 3,000 experience metal money . Most are primarily endemic to North , Central , and South America in regions with subtropical and tropical climates .

Perennial , evergreen monocots such as these live for about three to five geezerhood , bloom once , and then perish about four to six month later .

The blooms are long - lastingand perfectly gorgeous , with heavyset , waxy bract ( or specially adapted leafage ) in shiny step of pink , red , fuchsia , Burgundy wine , yellow , and orange tree surrounding the small , inconspicuous inner blossoms which are the truthful flowers of the plant .

A close up horizontal image of a striped bromeliad (Aechmea chantinii) growing in the garden.

Even though blooming conduce to the eventual death of the parent plant , offshoots or “ pups ” are produced for self - propagation .

Seeds are also produced but are rarely viable if the flowers are not pollinated by the same species . We ’ll brood this more up beforehand , in the extension section of this templet .

Some species produce thick , succulent leaves while others exhibit grassy foliage . Both can be highly ornamental , even before blossom take lieu .

A close up horizontal image of air plants in full bloom growing on the branch of a tree.

They may show intricate stripe or centers of deep color fading outward to green , and sometimes have spiny teeth along the margins .

Species cooking stove in size from neat little bedside table specimens to monumental types that are fit only for outdoor growing . We ’ll extend some of the adept choice for houseplant status in our Species and Cultivars to Choose part below .

Epiphytes and Terrestrials

There are two types of bromeliads : epiphytic or terrestrial .

Epiphytic mintage usually spring up at the vertices of tree branches or in mat of moss in the treetops . A vulgar misconception is that this growing habit qualifies them as parasitical plant life , but in fact , they do no harm to the tree and provide for themselves .

These type do not need soil to grow , and draw water from the air . They can be mount to driftwood or cosmetic boards for indoor growing , which makes a marvelous , bohemian showing of “ unstructured social system . ”

A horizontal image of red bromeliads growing in pots hanging from a tree.

You may see epiphytic metal money , such asmembers of theTillandsiagenus , sold as “ air plants”because of their soilless growing requirements .

Terrestrial specie grow in the ground , and most draw water through their base . However , some terrestrial species employ other method acting of urine harvesting .

know as army tank , inhabit vase , or urn bromeliads , these can also sop up water through their root organisation , but their foliage is designed to collect water in the folds at the root word .

A close up horizontal image of a red and green spotted bromeliad growing in the garden with flowers starting to form in the center.

This collected “ tank car ” or loving cup of water is an adjustment that sustains the works during long menstruation of drouth .

The accumulated H2O can even shield small animals and insects – let in mosquitoes !

So , if you ’re looking for a container specimen that can spend the summer outdoors , tank character may not be the expert option . The last matter you require is to bring mosquito larvae , which live in piddle , into your nursing home .

A close up horizontal image of the foliage of Tillansia air plants.

If you do move them outdoors in warm conditions , be sure to flush the cup thoroughly and refill with novel water before bringing them back in to remove any undesirable hitchhikers that might make their way inside the household .

Some of the better - have a go at it bromeliads let in pineapples ( Ananasspp . ) , which are the only known edible type , and Spanish moss ( Tillandsia usneoides ) .

While Ananas comosus plants bear a potent , obvious resemblance to other members of the Bromeliaceae mob , it may be rugged to see that in Spanish moss , which get as a trailing curtain from tree arm , or in other types of air plant life .

A close up horizontal image of pineapple plants growing in the garden.

However , Spanish moss get teeny - tiny blooms of green , an manifest equipment characteristic which indicates they ’re related .

A quick walk through the history of this plant family unit is in parliamentary procedure before we move on to propagation and caretaking .

Cultivation and History

Bromeliads began a recollective history of cultivation in the previous 1400s , when Spanish explorers traveling with Columbus landed in the West Indies . At the clock time , the Carib people aboriginal to the island had been cultivating pineapples for century .

Many plants spread out throughout the world with the conquistadors , as they catalog a huge number of species and genera in their travel , and often returned to Spain with specimens for study from new area .

At that time , pineapples were the first type of bromeliad to be collected and studied , which then led to cultivation in other component part of the world . The Middle East became a big producer for surrounding region .

A horizontal image of bromeliads growing in the garden among Spanish moss with a bright red and purple flower.

It was n’t until the belated 1700s that other species were line up by Internet Explorer and trader from Beligum and bestow back to Europe for study , beginning withGuzmania lingulata , or the droophead tufted air flora , aka blood-red star .

Since then , hundreds of specie have been studied and cultivated , many of which have become the houseplants we know and roll in the hay today .

Cultivars have been developed by crossing the most spectacular or interesting features of parent species , resulting in awesome specimens with patterns , semblance , and shapes that are n’t meet in nature .

A close up horizontal image of the fruits and seeds of a bromeliad isolated on a yellow background.

Hybridization also result in unfertile plants that do n’t farm executable semen , however , so other methods of propagation must be used – which make for us to our next topic , how to propagate bromeliads !

Propagation

Super elementary propagation is one of the perks of being a bromeliad parent .

In fact , they do most of the piece of work themselves by get new pups that can be snipped off and repotted – boom ! Done !

It ’s super rare to find viable seeds on species plants indoors since pollenation is postulate . hired man - pollination is not out of the question with viable specimens , but it ’s beyond the telescope of this guide .

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If seed pods are bring out , they should be pull in when the stems or pods easily pull liberal from the works .

Then , seeds should be take from the seedpod , gargle clean , and dried in short before planting . Be sure to sow them within a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to a week after drying to avoid going of viability .

From Seed

If you do happen to come across workable seminal fluid – which you may not be capable to assure until you in reality engraft them , and sprouting occurs – it may be inseminate in a few way .

First , it ’s helpful to do by the seed with a fungicide to prevent wrong or dice - off from damping off . The fungus that induce this disease lives in soil and causes weak , rotten base . It also attractsfungus gnats , which cause further price .

Seeds collect from epiphytic specie can be rank in a three- to four - inch - deep bed of drizzle sphagnum moss in a level or weed . Place the seeds on top , about three to four inches apart , and press them just under the surface .

A close up of the packaging of Orchid Potting Mix isolated on a white backgorund.

Unless you havea greenhouse of your ownto use , cover the pots or vapid with charge card sheeting or post them into a propagator .

One such as this disseminator with a humidity dome , available from Amazon , move as a mini greenhouse to keep seeds warm and moist .

Propagator with Humidity vent

A close up horizontal image of a gardener separating offsets from a bromeliad plant.

Monitor the moisture level ; the moss should be slightly moist at all times . A light mist of water can be use to maintain moisture every few days .

Be sure to open up the vents or rescind the corner of the propagator or plastic sheeting to let out excess humidity if abridgement collects .

Seeds may take some time to bourgeon and the pots or tray should be placed in vivid , collateral sunlight to bourgeon , in an country with temperatures between 70 and 80 ° F .

A close up vertical image of a “mother” bromeliad plant in a pot with a “pup” planted in a second pot set on a kitchen counter.

After germination occurs and you spot sprouts , remove the plastic sheeting or launch the disseminator vents to grant for more flow of air . Poor gentle wind circulation can result in wilting , rot , and the growth of mold .

Terrestrial type can be started in pots or cell trays filled with orchid potting mix , such as this constitutive orchid potting mix from Perfect Plants , usable in a four - dry quart packagefrom Home Depot .

Orchid Potting Mix

A close up vertical image of a bright pink bromeliad flower growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Or , you may order the same four - quart package with an include five - snow leopard packet of plant food directlyfrom Perfect Plants Nursery .

From Offshoots

offshoot , offset , or whelp are produced by matured industrial plant , typically shortly after blooming . Repotting pups is the easiest and fastest elbow room to produce unexampled specimen .

For most species , once a puppy form several leaves , it can be cut free from the parent using a sharp knife . break up it at the pedestal , below the lowest set of leaves where it ’s attach , or if it ’s growing from the potting medium , sever it below the surface .

Refill any hollow left behind with fresh potting medium .

A close up horizontal image of the bright red and purple flowers of an air plant pictured by a wooden wall.

Fill a jackpot with the same soilless average and moisten it lightly . introduce the pup , whether it has roots or not , just so the al-Qaeda is invest in the substrate – do not bury the leaves .

Place the potted offset in a location with bright , indirect light . stem will form soon .

Once the specimen begins to produce new growth aboveground , which happen slowly , it can be relocated to its permanent spot . Be trusted to becloud with water as needed to prevent the potting mix from drying out completely .

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discover more tips on propagating bromeliads here .

Next , we ’ll talk about caretaking .

How to Grow

Caretaking can look slightly different between terrestrial and epiphytic species , although there is some rough-cut reason between the two types .

Light

Most bromeliads preferdiffused lightrather than direct sunlight . Indoor area that remain promising through most of the day are splendid spots to place containers .

Some species , such as those that grow in regions where they remain in deep tad below a canopy of tree , prefer less light overall . However , some do better in stronger sunshine if they ’re growing in gamey humidity .

The amount of light each plant receives can have an upshot on the agency it grows . leafage shape and colour may change reckon on its demand and what it ’s in reality have . Be sure to research how much light your particular specimen demand .

A close up horizontal image of a colorful air plant growing in a small pot set on a formal office desk (that’s much tidier than mine).

Water and Humidity

Water is equally important – but a common mistake that indoor gardener make is offering too much and keeping the pot spiritualist too wet . Humidity and light watering are prefer over waterlogged roots .

It ’s best to provide weewee only when the substratum feels dry at the airfoil level . However , you should not allow the substrate to dry out all the direction through .

Using a humidifier can keep these tropical lulu glad . This Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is quiet and small , so it can be used almost anywhere . It’savailable via Amazon .

A close up horizontal image of an orange bromeliad flower growing in the garden.

Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

tank car type of bromeliads must be flushed regularly . Once per month , swarm the accumulated body of water out and fill again it with fresh . Be sure to keep the cups full at all fourth dimension .

mark that knockout water , which is weewee that contains a high assiduousness of dissolved minerals such as lime , can cause damage . If you have operose H2O , it ’s ripe to use bottled or purified water instead .

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Learn more about watering bromeliads here .

Temperature

Indoor temperatures should ideally stay on between about 70 and 80 ° F in the daytime and 55 to 65 ° F in the evening for the best results . Cool evenings are important for the photosynthesis process of these plant .

If the spot where your indoor garden is growing drop below these temperatures at any time , it may be necessary to relocate them to a warmer place .

Most bromeliads can survive in temperature as down in the mouth as 30 ° farad , and some low-pitched , but it ’s best not to happen it . Merely hold out is not the same thing as thriving .

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Potting Media

Even though epiphytic species prefer life in the treetops , where they grow without grime and drop anchor themselves into moss rather , they can be pot provide that a moss substrate is used .

Note that tillandsias , or air works , do n’t take well to being grown in container .

Potting media for terrestrial species should be idle and well - draining , with place for flow of air . Orchid potting mix works very well as it is write in the main of moss , loam , and bark .

A close up of a Speckle Knob Planter set on a wooden surface.

Preferred pH is typically an acidic 5.0 to 6.0 . Acidity can be increased by append a handful of sphagnum moss to the potting media .

Fertilizing

In most cases , frequent applications of fertiliser are not necessary to maintain a levelheaded bromeliad , particularly for those that are container grown or mounted .

As light feeders that are slow - originate , they do n’t deplete nutrient from the planting media in tumid total .

If a specimen is showing signs of inadequate health , such as wilting or produce few leafage , check to ensure there ’s no exit with root wellness , such as overwatering or girdling , or preindication of pests and disease , before bestow plant food .

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Nutrients should only be add in stop of active growth . A liquid fertilizer that ’s suitable for these type of plants can be used , such as this Professional Liquid Bromeliad Plant Fertilizer , which is usable in an eight - Panthera uncia bottlevia Amazon .

Professional Liquid Bromeliad Plant Fertilizer

The 3 - 1 - 2 NPK ratio in this product works to encourage foliage growth while supporting prime and roots as well .

A vertical image of a bromeliad with a pink flower planted in Japanese-style kokedama isolated on a white background.

Rather than applying a dilute capful to container every other lachrymation cycle as commend on the package , dilute the liquid to 50 percentage strength and summate it only during periods of participating growth .

Tillandsia and other epiphytic coinage are considerably help using a foliar spray fertilizer , such as this air flora fertilizing nebulizer from Southside Plants , available in an eight - ounce bottlefrom Amazon .

Air Plant Fertilizing Spray

A close up vertical image of an air plant growing on a suspended cork mount.

spraying product can be used for potted and mounted species .

Never fecundate a dormant flora as burning is a coarse trouble .

Choosing a Container

Neither terrestrial nor epiphytic specimen have encompassing root systems . Because of this , they do n’t require very big containers to be happy and healthy .

Glazed ceramic pots are the good choice for members of this family , such as this Speckled Knob Planter in a seven - in size , from Terrain .

Speckled Knob Planter

A close up horizontal image of an arrangement of air plants growing on driftwood as a table arrangement.

notice the wider footmark of the groundwork – this is important for top - heavy species to help oneself keep tipping over .

Perforated orchid pots or basket are a ripe pick as well .

The opening in the incline allow for excellent airflow , such as what ’s provided by this ceramic orchid pot and saucer in a six - and - a - half - column inch size , from the Vebavo storevia Amazon .

A close up horizontal image of variegated Vriesia plants with bright red flower stalks.

Orchid Pot and Saucer

A simple five- to eight - column inch unglazed terra cotta pot works very well also , and the full lip around the brim of this case of pot can check neatly into a hanger .

Wall hooks or mounts are everlasting for creating a arresting video display indoors , or mount up them outdoors on the sun porch or partially shaded patio for an easy spot to transpose them to in the summertime months .

A close up top down image of a pink Vriesea plant growing inthe garden.

Note that an glassless or perforated container will allow the potting media to dry out more rapidly , so watering more often may be necessary in these types of pots .

Be sure that any container you choose has good drainage , and if it has been used before , that it is sterilized prior to reuse .

Or , skip the container and choose a kokedama , or moss ball ! Epiphytic species will peculiarly enjoy growing in a display such as this , with excellent aura circulation . They can be hung from the ceiling or place on a tray .

A close up vertical image of a flaming sword bloom pictured on a soft focus background.

Alternative planting methods can be used for epiphytes , and the solvent can be amazing ! Let ’s talk about that next .

Mounting an Epiphytic Species

You might wonder how you could mount a resilient bromeliad to a objet d’art of driftwood or hardwood , but it ’s easy , and if you ’re crafty , it can be a merriment labor !

mount is a wonderful mode to create an appropriate growing surround for epiphytes while also craft an incredible born display . It ’s a win - win .

Begin with a piece of wood – driftwood or grape Sir Henry Joseph Wood with twists and gnarls works best , but larger , thick pieces can also be used .

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If the piece of wood has been collected from the open , turn back it over well for signs of infestation .

Soak it in room temperature water for a few hours for a small piece , or a few days for a magnanimous one , to remove any salts or other potentially harmful constituent that may be present .

Sit the piece of Natalie Wood on a tabletop or flat surface to regain a post in which it does n’t shake around and stay upright , and locate suitable mount spots from that slant . If you contrive to attend the piece of wood , then this step can be skip .

A close up horizontal image of earth star bromeliads (Cryptanthus bivittatus) growing in pots.

take a localisation , or a couple of point for more than one specimen , where the outgrowth has crooks or apex that can hold planting material .

Pack the juncture between branches with sphagnum moss and place the specimen on top , ascendant side down . Using cotton wool screw thread or string , secure the plant to the spot so it ’s held firmly in lieu , but do n’t bond it down too tightly as this can do damage .

Kokedamas can also be mounted on wood , or placed between get across branches , for a distinctive display .

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A humidifier should be used to add moisture to the gentle wind surrounding mounted specimen , and flora may be misted during specially dry periods , such as when heat or air conditioning is running .

Growing Tips

Maintenance

maintain bromeliads that are desirable for indoor ontogeny is fairly simple and straightforward .

slay dead or dying leaf by snipping them off at the base . Inflorescences that have begun to wilt can also be take away if you have n’t handwriting - pollinated and you do n’t plan to collect germ .

Scorching can become an issue for specimens that find too much unmediated sunlight . Be sure to choose a location with soft , indirect light .

A close up horizontal image of a pink and purple bromeliad flower pictured in light sunshine.

If brownish spots develop without grounds of too much weak exposure , it may be a sign of disease – check the Pests and Disease section below for detail .

Potted specimen may need to be repotted between their third and fourth class of life , typically only after the root system has almost filled the pot .

It may also be necessary if the substrate becomes spongy or compacted and begins to diminish in volume , which can bechance over time with bark and moss - based media .

A close up horizontal image of a pink vase plant in full bloom growing in the garden.

Repotting consists of removing the specimen from the old substrate , discarding the media , adding fresh , and replacing the plant in its container , or in a newfangled one that ’s enceinte if it has outgrown the old one .

inactive specimens should be water infrequently and slenderly , with just enough water to prevent the pot medium from drying out totally .

It usually becomes necessary to repot offshoots or pups as they maturate enough to sustain themselves . Keep an eye out for overcrowding and remove or relocate offshoots that are taking up space .

A close up vertical image of the bright pink and purple flower of a pink quill (Tillandsia cyanea) growing in the garden.

Now that you know almost all of the most important caretaking details , which specimen will you choose for your home ? permit ’s get to the fun part – allow me to introduce you to some of the best !

Species and Cultivars to Select

Some bromeliads have pernicious coloration that adds a ghost of verdure to the home plate . Others have wild figure and coloring , or blush that look like something from a sci - fi picture !

As a bonus , many variety are very low-priced , so you’re able to buy in up and create the indoor garden of your dreams .

Genera with coinage that are commonly prefer as houseplant includeAechmea , Billbergia , Cryptanthus , Guzmani , Neoregelia , Tillandsia , andVriesea .

A close up of a pink quill plant growing in a small pot isolated on a white background.

Here are just a few of the species and cultivar to look at for houseplant candidacy .

Flaming Sword

Yellow is always a large color for the indoors when you need a minuscule pick - me - up . And when flaming brand , orVriesea carinata , is in salad days , it ’ll unquestionably call attention to itself and help to brighten the way .

This epiphytic species has a very small root system and prefers to be pot in moss or mount . Foliage is deep greenish , with long , strap - alike leave – and no teeth to contend with ! take this type if you ’re implicated about child or pets getting too close .

You may see this type advertised as “ lobster claw , ” which is an alternate common name that touch on to the claw - like shape of the single bract wall the flower .

A close up square image of a Vriesea fosteriana plant in a green plastic pot set on a wooden surface.

Tall efflorescence husk with a paddle - like structure consisting of yellow , orange , and red bracts are the key signature of theflaming brand . Plants can reach about 18 inch in ripe top , with a similar ranch .

Flaming blade is uncommitted in a white , five - column inch container from Plants and Blooms Shopvia Amazon .

Pink Star

If you ’re more concerned in enjoying gorgeous leafage than the occasional , showy inflorescence , thenCryptanthus bivittatus‘Pink Star ’ may be the cultivar for you !

This terrestrial , globe star bromeliad is low-toned growing , reaching only about 10 to 12 inch in mature pinnacle at max , with a wider facing pages .

Cryptanthusspecies , or earth stars , are so named because they produce flattened , star - shaped rosette – and this one showing pointed , toothed foliation in stars striped with pink , gullible , fuchsia , and sometimes lick !

A close up horizontal image of a curious cat chewing on a houseplant.

Rather than producing a tall , flashy scape , this cultivar sports a lowly , central cluster of bracts in yellow and lily-white . It also readily bring forth offshoots follow bloom .

‘ Pink Star ’

Bright , indirect sunlight enhances the color of the foliage in this cultivar . Have a ‘ Pink Star ’ transport the right way to your door in a three - and - a - half - in grower ’s pot from The Altman Plants storevia Amazon .

A close up of a bottle of Bonide Neem Oil isolated on a white background.

Pink Vase Plant

If plants could utter , this one would say , “ tending , please ! ” pinkish vase flora , sometimes called urn plant ( Aechmea primera ) , is one of the most pop , salient species pick out for indoor growing .

If the leaf does n’t get your eye , the bloom spikes will ! Wide , strappy leaf of deep special K have dust-covered , sage green band and short dentition along the allowance – somemistake them for agavebefore scapes form .

A huge , pink , bud - like chemical group of bracts grow , which also parade the same striped design on the outside , but in pure tone of fuchsia and soft rosebush .

A close up of a bottle of Bonide Insecticidal Soap isolated on a white background.

The bracts then opened to reveal an intricate , showy bunch up inflorescence touched with over-embellished or blue toward the nerve center .

This terrestrial , cooler metal money can make 18 to 24 inches in height at matureness with a similar spread , so it makes quite a grand statement . Be certain to refill the cup with water as require to keep it tidy .

Six - inch pink vase plants are available from Hirt ’s Gardensvia Walmart .

A close up of a bromeliad plant suffering from root and stem rot.

Pink Quill

As one of the most democratic aerophyte on the market , T. cyanea(syn . Wallisia cyanea ) ‘ Pink Quill , ’ sometimes called ‘ Hawaiian Pink Quill ’ ( even though it ’s not native to Hawaii ) , is a small cultivar that makes a big opinion .

Mount this form in moss where its grassy leaves of up to 14 inches in length can produce an arching tuft . ‘ Pink Quill ’ remains heavyset over meter , usually reaching no more than about 10 to 12 inches in height .

The paddle- or quill - shaped scape produced by this cultivar is shock pink , with interior blooms that spread out to reveal a deep anil - blue .

A close up horizontal image of a pot and an unpotted bromeliad set on a wooden surface.

‘ pinkish Quill ’

add up ‘ Pink Quill ’ to a climb arrangement or an orchid pot for a endearing presentation .

you may find this cultivar available in four - inch grower ’s pots from Hirt ’s Gardensvia Walmart .

A close up vertical image of a “living wall” with orange and red bromeliads growing vertically.

Rubra

For show - give up leaf , V. fosteriana‘Rubra ’ is unbeatable . Since most bromeliads take several years to blossom , why not prefer a cultivar whose foliation is gorgeous enough on its own ?

The strappy , toothless dispirited leaves are often inscrutable unripe , but the central foliage is burgundy , pallid green , and white striped . This cultivar can hit about 14 to 18 in in ripe height , with a slightly smaller spread .

‘ Rubra ’

A square image of a hanging glass planter with an air plant inside it isolated on a light blue background.

Color can be raise with exposure to smart sunlight , but avoid placing this salmagundi in lineal light . Terrestrial acquire conditions are preferred .

‘ Rubra ’ is available in six - column inch grower ’s potsfrom Terrain .

Managing Pests and Disease

Container - grown specimens that spend their lives indoors are less potential to meet infection or pest damage . It ’s not impossible , however , so get ’s take a quick look at what to keep an eye out for .

Animals

Since you do n’t have deer or squirrels traipsing through your living room ( we hope ! ) , the only animals of concern would be your choose , furry companions .

dog-iron and cat are curious and have a substance abuse of nipping at plants . fortuitously , there are no toxic species in this house , so toxic condition is not a business organisation .

However , some species develop spiky tooth along their leaf border , and these can cause a abominable poke in some illustration .

A close up of a variety of different bromeliads growing in a terrarium indoors.

If your pets might be tempted to take a collation or play with the foliage , it ’s probably best to prefer a spineless potpourri or keep them out of scope .

Insects

Insects and other pest can at times appear on leave of absence and halt , especially on specimens that are move outside in warm weather .

The elemental pest to be aware of arescale insects , mealy bug , andwhiteflies . If an plague is overtake early on , it should n’t be difficult to free them from your houseplants .

A spray of neem vegetable oil or insecticidal soap works well , but both may need to be applied more than once . A cotton wool swob dipped in rubbing alcohol can be used to urge on and remove each visible scale of measurement dirt ball , as well as their eggs .

Bonide Neem oil colour

Bonide neem oil can be buy in dry pint , quart , or congius bottlesfrom Arbico Organics .

Bonide Insecticidal Soap

Bonide insecticidal soap is usable in bottles of 16 or 32 ounce , also from Arbico Organics .

Be sure to exhaustively check any neighbour pot plants in your indoor garden for grounds of plague as well , and quarantine overrun specimen as postulate .

take note that eggs hatch in cycles , so treating once may not be enough to prevent a reinfestation .

Diseases

disease can be spread through water system , contact with other plants , and even through pot grime . Sometimes just bring a young member of the collecting home from a garden center can introduce pathogens .

Leaf spots and rusting are issues that typically appear in bromeliads grown out of doors .

While they can also regard houseplants , it ’s unlikely if appropriate preventative measures are taken , such as preventing piss from finalise and remaining on foliage – except in the face of tank bromeliads – and spraying with neem oil at the first sign of illness .

Using a disinfected container and sterilized potting media , and avoiding overwatering , can help to forbid some disease issues from becoming a problem .

Overwatering , on the other script , is very coarse . Let ’s cover crown androot rotin a fiddling more item ..

Most potted plant are more susceptible to root and crownwork rot due to the enwrap growing environment .

In such a small space , overwatering or poor drainage can quickly lead to the spread of pathogens , such as those from thePythiumgenus of fungus kingdom or fromPhytophthoraoomycetes .

Signs of disease include wilted , weak leaves that go down off or are well pluck off ; a mushy , brown pennant ; and/or a foul smell total from the bromeliad or the container . Once these sign are apparent , do n’t look to take action .

Remove the specimen from its slew and lightly dislodge any potting media from the root word system . softly wash the roots , and notice them . If any are brown or black , slimy , or smelly , reduce them off . Discard cut back roots , and the erstwhile potting mixing , in the trash .

Combine one part hydrogen hydrogen peroxide with two role body of water and spray it all over the entire root organization .

Allow the roots to airwave dry whole in a fix with good flow of air . Do n’t expose them to sunlight or result them unpotted for longer than necessary to dry .

gargle the container to remove any light grime . To sanitize it , spray or soak the container in the same solution or substitute with one part blanching agent to five portion water . After soaking for about 30 minutes , remove the container and rinse it to remove all trace of whitener .

If you ’re implicated about the quality of your potting mix , you’re able to sterilize a new raft by broil it on a cooky rag in an oven bent to 175 ° fluorine . Let it bake for about 30 to 45 minutes , then take it out of the oven and allow it to cool down to way temperature .

Fill the container with brisk , sterile pot medium , but be trusted that the drain holes are not obstructed . A little patch of silver screen can be used to forestall barque or other cloth from becoming file in the holes .

Return the specimen to the container , and water to settle . Avoid overwatering by only providing enough to moisten the potting mix when the open feels ironic to the tactual sensation .

Best Uses

Oh boy , I love this part !

There are far more room to exhibit potted bromeliads than simply sitting them on a table or floor . Which is your favorite ?

As I mentioned , epiphytic plant can be ride – and they put on an incredible , living spectacle yr - pear-shaped . A mounted , lifelike - look transcription can be placed on a table , hung on a wall , or made into a elbow room divider with multiple branches string together .

Containers or mounted system can be placed on a plant ledge above a doorway or in an entryway for a stunning first impression as guests insert your home .

peck can be hang from hooks to make a whole wall of color and grain , or hung from the ceiling in corner where life and interest are lacking .

Tillandsia and other soilless species can be grow in glass bulbs , seashells , a bowl full of moss – get creative and make your display fun !

Hanging Glass Planter

Try some of these hanging glass plantersfrom Terrain , if you ’d like .

you’re able to read more about develop indoor air plant life as go wall prowess in our guide .

An indoor plantation owner dividing way or other spaces can be pack with coloured specimen of the same or different metal money , provided they have the same care penury .

There are so many possible action , I could go on for days ! But I straggle – there are merely too many options to cover in one go !

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Content Container Candidates

Shapes and colors such as those render by member of the Bromeliaceae class can create a living art initiation inside the home base .

Crafty gardeners will have a field daylight designing and constructing hanging , blow , or mount showing that can last for years with proper caretaking . Just cerebrate of the opening !

rat for morehouseplants to include in your botanical menagerie ? Here are a few more to consider :

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Kelly Spicer