How to Care for a Bromeliad

How to take care of a bromeliad in your home.

Let the soil for this plant go dry most of the way down the pot between waterings. I typically find myself watering about every 7 to 10 days. I water this plant by taking it to the sink in just the grower pot (take it out of the decorative pot). I turn on a thin stream of lukewarm water and let it run all over the surface of the soil. I let it keep running until I see a steady stream of water coming from the drainage holes in the base of the pot. Then I leave it sit in the sink for about 5 minutes so it can drain away any unwanted water. This plant likes bright but indirect light. If your plant is in a Wick and Grow pot you simply keep the tank filled to the top of the viewer window.

1. Light

• Bright, Indirect Light: Guzmania bromeliads prefer bright, indirect light. Place the plant near a window that receives filtered sunlight, like an east or west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and bracts.

2. Watering

• Water when soil is mostly dry: Allow the soil mix to go mostly dry in the pot between waterings. On watering day be sure to fully moisten the soil from top to bottom in the pot making sure the pot drains well and the soil is left moist but not wet/soggy. Always water the soil, not the plant.
• Humidity: Bromeliads do love humidity, so make sure there are no heating or cooling vents blowing onto the plant that may strip the humidity away. If your space has dry air consider adding a humidifier or a pebble tray to improve humidity levels.

3. Temperature

• Warm Temperatures: Guzmanias prefer temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-26°C). Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as they are extremely sensitive to cold.

4. Soil

• Well-Draining Potting Mix: Use a loose, well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture designed for orchids.

5. Fertilization

• Mild Fertilization: Guzmanias are light feeders. Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Or use a time-release fertilizer pellet made for houseplants.
• Avoid Overfeeding: Excessive fertilizer can cause salt buildup and damage the plant. Follow directions on the packaging.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

• Remove Spent Flowers: After the Guzmania flowers (which can last several months), the flower will eventually die back. Cut off the flower stalk once it has faded, but don’t remove the plant, as it will produce "pups" (baby plants).
• Pups: After flowering, the main plant will gradually die, but it produces pups at the base. These pups can be separated and replanted once they reach about 1/3 the size of the parent plant or can simply be left to take over the current pot as the mother plant dies back.

7. Pests and Diseases

• Keep an Eye on Pests: Guzmanias are generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract pests like mealybugs or scale. If you notice pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Avoid Overwatering: Root rot is a common issue, caused by soggy soil. Always ensure proper drainage.

8. Potting and Repotting

• Repotting Pups: Guzmanias do not need frequent repotting. However, when the plant produces pups, you can pot them into fresh, well-draining soil to grow a new plant. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes.

Summary:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
• Water: Water when the soil mix is dry in 90 percent of the pot.
• Temperature: Maintain warmth between 65°F-80°F (18°C-26°C).
• Soil: Use well-draining soil, such as a mix for orchids.
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with diluted fertilizer during the growing season.
• Care: Remove dead flowers, monitor for pests, and propagate pups.

With proper care, Guzmania bromeliad can thrive indoors and produce beautiful flowers that last for months.