The rather inconspicuous flowers of a bromeliad are surrounded by colorful bracts. With this tactic, the tropical beauty magically attracts possible pollinators and at the same time presents itself as a magnificent houseplant. A bromeliad accomplishes this feat only once in its life. However, it would be premature to dispose of the ornamental plant immediately after flowering. Read here how to properly deal with a wilted bromeliad.
The bromeliad blooms in bright colors
Patient care is rewarded with vital children
At the end of its flowering period, the bromeliad has a surprise in store for its gardener. At the base, offspring sprout as miniature bromeliads. Therefore, do not throw away a withered plant, but continue care unchanged. Until a child is viable as an independent bromeliad, the supply from the mother plant should be ensured. The following procedure has proven itself in practice:
- Continue watering and fertilizing the bromeliad in the partially shaded, warm window seat after flowering
- Do not cut off the dead flower
- First cut off offshoots with a strong rosette of leaves, own roots and a growth height of at least 10 cm
Plant a child in a nursery pot with coarse-grained, lime-free bromeliad soil. Since a sparse root system has only formed in this phase, put a transparent plastic bag over the pot for a few weeks. The faded bromeliad can only be disposed of once you have removed all mature side shoots.
tips
Although the bromeliad is not poisonous, its majestic ornamental leaves should be treated with caution. In many species, the leaf edges are covered with sharp spines that can cause painful skin injuries. Therefore, please wear robust gloves for all maintenance work.