bromeliad plant benefits

While most common indoor plants purify the air during the day, bromeliads release oxygen and remove air pollutants during the night. The Plants for Clean Air Council suggests that when combined with foliage plants, bromeliads can help provide around-the-clock indoor air purification.

Are bromeliads good indoor plants?

Bromeliads are excellent indoor plants. They have colorful, long-lasting inflorescence and some have brilliantly colored foliage as well. ... Although many bromeliads are epiphytic, living on branches and trunks of trees in their native habitat, most can be grown in containers.

Is bromeliad plant poisonous?

For a quick burst of color and life, add a tropical bromeliad houseplant to any room. The bromeliad plant is non-toxic for cats and dogs.

Where should I put bromeliads in my house?

Most bromeliads will thrive on a table or countertop a few feet away from a window. Do not place your bromeliad directly in a south facing window. The leaves are likely to scorch with too much direct sunlight.

Are bromeliads easy to care for?

Bromeliad plant care is easy and requires no special tools or fertilizers. Feed the plants with a half strength fertilizer every month in the growing season. ... Some bromeliads grow well as “air plants,” which are glued or nested onto logs, moss or other non-soil organic items.

How long do bromeliads last?

Originally from the tropics of South America, Central America and Africa, these tropical indoor plants are easy to care for and are easy on the pocketbook. The most common variety of bromeliads, the flowering guzmania (Guzmania spp.), last for two to three years, reports Homestead Gardens.

What do you do with a bromeliad after it blooms?

They are epiphytic in nature and reproduce vegetatively by forming offsets or pups. Once the unique flower is spent, you should remove it so the plant can spend its energy on forming pups. Bromeliad care after flowering is much the same while it was in flower. The leaves form a cup in which you can pour water.

Is bromeliad toxic to pets?

Bromeliad plants are ideal for homeowners who don't want a plant that requires lots of care; they thrive with bright light and humidity. They are non-toxic to animals and can even be grown using soil-free methods, which is perfect for pet owners who want to avoid a cat or dog digging in the dirt.

How often does bromeliad bloom?

Bromeliads often have both striking foliage as well as flowers. However, a bromeliad will only bloom once throughout its lifespan. Though that seems like a bummer, especially if you bought the bromeliad for its blooms, the flowers actually last for a good portion of time—generally 3 to 6 months.

What do bromeliads represent?

Incas, Aztecs and Mayans used almost every part of the plant for food, shelter, fibres and ceremonies. As a result, the Bromeliad is viewed as a 'gift from the gods' in these countries. As a houseplant, Bromeliad represents 'protection': a reference to the full, green foliage that surrounds the beautiful coloured part.

How often should I water a bromeliad?

While their roots prefer to be moist, they can never be allowed to remain soggy. Water that does not drain properly through your potting medium can cause your plant to develop root or crown rot. It is often times sufficient to water your bromeliad once a week.

What is the best way to water a bromeliad?

If you can use it, rainwater is the best water for bromeliads because it is most natural. Distilled water also works well for watering bromeliads. Bromeliad water can also be tap water, but there may be a build up of salt and chemicals from tap water. Bromeliads are tough, carefree plants indoors.

How do you get bromeliads to rebloom?

Forcing a Bromeliad to Bloom Sooner

Empty the depression in the plant and encase it in a large plastic bag accompanied by a slice of apple, kiwi or banana. These fruits give off ethylene gas, which will help force the plant into bloom. Keep the plant in the bag for 10 days and then remove the covering.

How do you care for an indoor bromeliad?

Following a few simple steps can keep you enjoying bromeliads, both indoors and out, for several seasons.

Provide bright light without direct sun exposure.
Maintain optimal humidity.
Keep air flowing around the plants.
Make sure the plants stay moist but not soggy.
Provide adequate drainage.
Fertilize sparingly.

Can bromeliads grow without soil?

Most bromeliads, about 75 percent, are epiphytes, meaning they can grow on trees or other wood objects (wood slabs, stumps, driftwood); they don't need soil. The bromeliad does not harm the tree; it merely uses its roots to anchor itself to the tree.

Do you have to remove Bromeliad pups?

Do I need to separate them from the original plant? A: The growths are called offsets or pups. Bromeliads slowly die over a period of a year or two after flowering. ... The pups should be separated from the mother plant after they have developed a small rosette or circle of leaves similar to the mother plant.

How do you know when a bromeliad is dying?

How to Troubleshoot Bromeliad Problems

The flower is turning brown, wilting and looks like it will die. ...
The leaves at the base of the plant are turning brown or soggy. ...
There is a salty build up on the leaves. ...
The tips of the leaves are turning brown or there are brown or yellow spots on the leaves.

What do Bromeliad pups look like?

After the bract is dead, the "mother" plant will send out a series of offsets, or bromeliad pups, from the base of the plant. They'll look like tiny versions of the mother plant emerging from between the mother plant's bigger leaves.

Do Bromeliads need misting?

Bromeliads are more likely to die from over-watering than under-watering. Their sensitive roots like to be moist but cannot remain in potting mix that remains overly wet. These bromeliads are commonly referred to as air plants and require misting. ...

Do bromeliads like coffee grounds?

A few suggested brown materials are leaves, straw, chipped branches and tree trimmings, paper and sawdust. These are generally slower to decompose. Green materials include plant-based kitchen scraps (no bones, fat or meat leftovers), grass clippings, manures, coffee grinds, eggshells and green leaves, among others.

Do bromeliads attract mosquitoes?

Bromeliads can be Mosquito Breeding Grounds

But certain types, such as tank bromeliads, can hold water between their leaves – making it a great place for mosquitoes to breed.

How long does it take Bromeliad pups to root?

It takes a couple of weeks for the root systems to grow and become established, so support the plant with small stakes if necessary. Although the pups are old enough to live on their own, they won't be mature enough to bloom until they are at least a year old -- some don't bloom until age 3 or later.