The experts at the German Bromeliad Society advocate fertilizing bromeliads less and more often. You can find out how this rule of thumb is actually implemented over the course of the year here. Use our tips on concentration, intervals and administration of bromeliad fertilizer.

With the right amount of fertilizer, the bromeliad thrives particularly well

Dose bromeliad fertilizer correctly - this is how it works

Bromeliads extract essential carbon from the air in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). What the tropical houseplants also need in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium is supplied by a liquid fertilizer. Although special bromeliad fertilizers are commercially available, standard flower fertilizer (€1.95) also contains all the important components. The dosage depends on the bromeliad species, as the following overview shows:

  • Funnel bromeliads, such as Guzmania, Vriesea, or Aechmea: 75 to 100 percent concentration
  • Mounted bromeliads, such as tillandsia or dykia: 25 to 50 percent concentration

Please adjust the dosage to the individual growth behavior of your bromeliad. If in doubt, reduce your concentration. An undersupply of fertilizer is quickly compensated for, while an overdose can hardly be remedied and significantly impairs vitality and flowering.

Tips on fertilizer interval and application

Although bromeliads don't actually go into hibernation, they do shift down a gear during cold, low-light times. Therefore, adjust the fertilizer phases to the course of vegetation. That is how it goes:

  • April to June: Fertilize every 2 weeks
  • July to September: Fertilize weekly
  • October to March: Do not fertilize or fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks
  • Add fertilizer to the lime-free irrigation water
  • Pour the potted bromeliads into the funnel (€4.85).
  • Spray attached bromeliads
  • In summer apply the fertilizer in the evening
  • In winter, ideally fertilize in the morning or midday

Deciduous bromeliad species, such as pitcairnia, do not receive fertilizer in winter. The vast majority of evergreen species are content with a little liquid fertilizer once a month, but can also do without the nutrient supply if in doubt. It is important to note that fertilizer and water have a temperature of at least 15 degrees Celsius. A bromeliad fertilizer achieves its optimum at 21 degrees Celsius, while it loses effectiveness above 25 degrees Celsius.

tips

Soil bromeliads are not fertilized for the next 4 to 6 weeks after repotting. Bromeliad soil always contains a supply of nutrients. If a fertilizer is also administered during this phase, overdosing is inevitable.

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Vegetable garden