Bromeliad Indoor Care: What to Know

Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll see in the description section below. You’ll also find links to any videos mentioned in this video in the description section.

Today, I’m going to talk to you about growing bromeliads indoors. Bromeliads are beautiful plants that come in many vibrant colors, both in their blooms and their leaves. Their leaves are structurally beautiful and architectural. However, many bromeliads have spines, so be careful when touching or moving them. They look particularly lovely under soft candlelight or dimmed lights, casting beautiful shadows on your walls.

Bromeliads are colorful members of the pineapple family and produce many different types of beautiful blooms in various color combinations, including pinks, purples, reds, yellows, and even some green blooms. Native to South America, they grow in many climates. Pineapple is the most famous of the bromeliad varieties, and other relatives include Spanish moss, which you can grow in your garden or indoor garden with some care.

Bromeliads can be grown in soil in containers, but there are important things to keep in mind to keep them looking good indoors. One key point is to avoid overwatering them. In their native habitats, bromeliads collect water within their foliage and live off that. They are not generally accustomed to growing in soil, so do not keep the soil perpetually wet. Water the plant when the soil is approaching dryness, but not yet dry.

Use a moisture meter to determine when to water, aiming for the four range on the meter. Overwatering can cause crown rot, which occurs at the base of the plant where the stem is attached to the roots. Signs of crown rot include a squishy base that feels like it could be pulled out of the pot easily.

When repotting bromeliads, avoid doing so while they are blooming, as this can shorten the bloom’s lifespan. Use well-draining potting soil, amended with pumice or perlite. Proper lighting is also crucial for bromeliads. They need bright, indirect light indoors and filtered sunlight outdoors. Avoid placing them too close to southern or western windows with unobstructed bright light to prevent leaf burn. Eastern windows with morning sunlight work well.

Bromeliads do not do well under heating or air-conditioning ducts, as these can dry out the blooms. When the plant is done blooming, cut the bloom off at the base and fertilize with an organic fertilizer. This can sometimes initiate a new bloom, although it may take time.

If you live in a mild climate, you can over-summer bromeliads outdoors in the shade. Periodically prune and clean the plant, removing old foliage to prevent pests and diseases. While bromeliads are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, extra humidity can benefit them, especially in dry climates. Consider using a humidity tray or misting the plant several times a day.

Bromeliads are a great choice for an indoor garden, offering architectural and color interest. Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, and share this video. Check the bell if you’d like to be notified when we release new videos.

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Growing Bromeliads Indoors: Your Questions Answered

FAQ: Growing Bromeliads Indoors

What are bromeliads?

Bromeliads are colorful members of the pineapple family that produce various types of beautiful blooms in colors like pink, purple, red, yellow, and green. They are native to South America and grow in many climates.

How do I water bromeliads indoors?

Avoid overwatering bromeliads. Water the plant when the soil is approaching dryness but not yet dry. Use a moisture meter and aim for the four range on the meter to avoid crown rot.

What type of soil should I use for bromeliads?

Bromeliads thrive in well-draining potting soil amended with pumice or perlite. Avoid keeping the soil perpetually wet to prevent crown rot.

How should I repot bromeliads?

Avoid repotting bromeliads while they are blooming, as this can shorten the bloom’s lifespan. Repot using well-draining potting soil with added pumice or perlite.

What lighting conditions do bromeliads need?

Bromeliads need bright, indirect light indoors and filtered sunlight outdoors. Avoid placing them too close to southern or western windows with unobstructed bright light to prevent leaf burn.

Can bromeliads be placed under heating or air-conditioning ducts?

No, bromeliads do not do well under heating or air-conditioning ducts as these can dry out the blooms.

How do I care for bromeliads after blooming?

After the plant is done blooming, cut the bloom off at the base and fertilize with an organic fertilizer. This can sometimes initiate a new bloom, although it may take time.

Can bromeliads be grown outdoors?

If you live in a mild climate, you can over-summer bromeliads outdoors in the shade. Just make sure they are not exposed to direct sunlight.

How do I maintain bromeliads indoors?

Periodically prune and clean the plant by removing old foliage to prevent pests and diseases. Consider using a humidity tray or misting the plant several times a day, especially in dry climates.

Are bromeliads resistant to pests and diseases?

Yes, bromeliads are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but extra humidity can benefit them, especially in dry climates.