With their colorful blooms and striking ornamental leaves, bromeliads ennoble the creative window sill. Epiphytic species perch casually on branches or stones. Terrestrial species form small cisterns for the water supply with their rosette of leaves. In view of the extravagant look, there are important questions about care. Read here how to properly water, fertilize and cut a bromeliad.

Bromeliads only thrive when given the right care

How often do I water a bromeliad?

The same applies to all types of bromeliads that they only receive lime-free, room-warm water. In which form and how often it is watered depends on the individual habit of your bromeliad. How to do it right:

  • Potted bromeliads: Pour water into the funnel (€4.85), refill regularly and replace every 4 weeks
  • Tied bromeliads: Spray with soft water daily in summer and 3 times a week in winter

It is important to note that the substrate on potted bromeliads must be kept slightly moist. How often you water depends on the time of year and the local conditions at the site.

How do I fertilize the bromeliad correctly?

Most bromeliads absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. The roots are only used for stabilization in the substrate or on a base. The demands on the nutrient supply are correspondingly modest. Add a liquid bromeliad fertilizer to the irrigation water every 2 to 3 weeks from April to October. Fertilize epiphytic species via the spray route.

Is pruning part of a bromeliad's care routine?

Bromeliads are not cut back. Over the years, older leaves sometimes get drawn in, turn yellow and dry up. In this case it is an advantage if you wait until the plant releases the leaf. It can be removed from the rosette with a slight pull without causing cuts.

If you find a sheet that has been drawn in as a disruptive factor in the appearance, cut it out. Ideally, you should use a disinfected scalpel or an extra-sharp knife. Please dust the cut with ground rock or charcoal ash to prevent diseases and pests.

How do I care for a faded bromeliad?

Since the opulent inflorescence consists of strong, colorful bracts and rather inconspicuous, real flowers, the flowering period of a bromeliad can last for months. Sooner or later the floral spectacle will be over and will never be repeated with this plant. However, that is no reason to hastily dispose of the faded bromeliad, because the offspring is already sprouting at its base.

By continuing the previous care program unabated, you give the daughter plants enough time for growth. This patience is rewarded with young bromeliads for free. How to do it:

  • Continue watering and fertilizing a wilted bromeliad in a bright, warm location
  • Cut off daughter plants with their own leaf rosette when they are at least 10 cm tall
  • Pot each child in bromeliad soil and water

To encourage growth after separation from the mother plant, put a plastic bag over the nursery pot for a few weeks. Pour soft, warm water into the small leaf rosette and also moisten the substrate. The hood has done its job when new leaves develop in the small rosette.

Which diseases and pests can be expected?

In our living and working rooms there are bromeliads far from their homeland. As a result, they are more susceptible to diseases and pests than native houseplants. We have compiled the most common problems in the following overview with tips for prevention and control:

diseases and pests prevention combat
Brown leaf tips Spray regularly Cut off, increase humidity, change location
No bloom Bright, warm location without blazing sun Place under a glass hood with fully ripe apples
Leaf rot caused by fungus (Colletotrichum crassipes) Avoid temperature fluctuations and waterlogging, fertilize regularly Apply or discard fungicide
spider mites Spray regularly Take a shower, wipe with alcohol-soaked cloth
aphids No nitrogen-stressed fertilization Shower off, soft soap solution

Bromeliads are very sensitive to chemical agents used to combat diseases and pests. The use of preparations that are too harsh causes extensive necrosis on the ornamental leaves of numerous species, which inevitably leads to the death of the entire plant.

When is a bromeliad repotted?

Once the bromeliad has fully rooted its pot, repot the plant in early spring. This measure is also on the agenda if the piece of floral jewelery has assumed such a volume that it could tip over. Choose a non-tilting planter that is 5 to 10 cm larger in diameter. Fill in fresh bromeliad soil over a drainage of potsherds. Plant the bromeliads in such a way that the previous planting depth is retained and water them on.

tips

Tropical bromeliads require no special precautions for healthy overwintering. During the cold season, you just have to make sure that the temperature at the location does not fall below 14 degrees Celsius. Since the plants almost stop growing due to the lack of light, the nutrient supply is stopped from November to February.

Category:

Vegetable garden