sorry i cant help more, this is the first time i have had them !!!!! Sphagnum grows in bogs and is adapted to retain water within its structure. You may consider growing in terra cotta or clay pots because they are heavier, less prone to tipping over and are more attractive. Some like high light, others need deep shade. The special needs of bromeliads require special potting mixes that give them proper support and allow for fast drainage. Epiphytic bromeliads can be grown like a terrestrial one; however, understand the potting mix is insignificant. Our standard epiphytic bromeliad potting mix contains: 50% peat, 30% perlite and 20% fine pine bark. Some are small enough to fit in a fish bowl terrarium, others bigger than a VW bug. Thanks! Snip them leaving part of the root of the mother plant, and re pot. But even this mix maybe too dense for air loving bromeliads. I due the same thing. Let’s face it; most of your Bromeliads will spend their lives in pots, and choosing the right potting mix can be very important for their long term health. do i remove the stalk or let it go on its own? did not know that you needed a certin mix. re-sealable bag of Better-Gro Bromeliad Mix is a rich, organic mixture of fibrous peat moss, coarse perlite and seedling bark to ensure healthy and long-lasting plants. light, mist, easy run off, ignore. Varieties . How to Care for a Bromeliad Plant Bromeliad plant care is easy and requires no special tools or fertilizers. Epiphytes need a lightweight, fast draining mix without too much water holding capacity, or they will be susceptible to rot. Hello, I have a plant that has a pink flower, but I think it needs to be replanted. I had one plant in a large coffee cup planter and just had to separate it for fear the planter would break open from the pressure of the root ball. i give the pups as gifts. It provides stability for roots. Some of the smaller roots are showing on top of the soil. Epiphytic bromeliads can be grown as air plants, mounted to boards or logs with no soil needed. Is it possible to plant any bromeliad on a tree using glue or a tie? Fir bark also boosts to the acidity of the soil-less mix. I have be unsuccessful in locating spagnum moss (not peat) used to mount a bromeliad. Care for the pups as you would a larger bromeliad. Question: What does it mean when tiny gnats gather around my bromeliad? !, but he didnt seem to certain !! There are over 120 different guzmania plants and all of them are native to South America. Depending on their growth style, bromeliad soil requirements vary. Special potting mixes for bromeliads can be purchased at nurseries and garden stores. Most epiphytic (growing on trees or other plants) bromeliads do well in this loose, organic medium, but terrestrial bromeliads do better in a mix that retains a bit more moisture. It’s hard to speak generally about any family of plants that involves dozens of genera and hundreds or thousands of species. I have found they do not bloom the first year. Terrestrial bromeliads, those that grow in the ground, will grow in any commercial potting or soil mix as long as the drainage is good. 2 plants lost pink color and have turned green and generally do not look well Featured image photo credit: Travis via http://www.flickr.com/photos/baggis/8171436093/, OK This is all very informative; BUT, you have not detailed how to “remove” a pup so that there is no harm (cut/wound) to either the mother or the pup. Bought 3 tillandsia in single pot Product Overview This 8 Qt. Many bromeliads that grow on trees in their natural habitat can also grow terrestrially. … To force bloom Different species of bromeliads may have different needs. It will take about two years for the new bromeliad to produce a bloom. I have a Neoregalia that hasnt flowered yet but is throwing out 2 pups. The two most common aechmea varieties include the A. chantinii, or zebra plant, and the A. fasciata, or urn plant. The purpose of bromeliad potting mix is to allow for maximum air and water flow while still providing support, water, and nutrients to the plants. Two things to avoid: do not use garden soil and do not add a layer of drainage material to the bottom of the pot (that drainage only works if the upper level is saturated; the idea is to avoid potting mediums that become saturated). Mix equal parts peat moss, bark and coarse sand to make a potting soil mixture suitable for bromeliads. How to the the perfect soil for bromeliads If you have any questions please ask I will try to answer them don't forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE :) Now only 1 plant producing blue flowers The truth is, that bromeliads can be easily adapted to regular home conditions. It is true that you rarely want to use top soil or garden soil for a container plant. As far as the soil to use, bromeliads actually aren’t too picky with potting media. Start with a small pot and you may have to repot increasing the size once during the bromeliad’s lifetime. They grow in any loose potting soil mix found at your local garden center. I knew nothing about them when I planted. Sphagnum peat moss comes from decayed sphagnum. point -they all bloom at same time making entire mountain orange or pink or…it is spectacular. Air circulation around these lower leaves is critical to the health of the plant. Fill some of the space with packing peanuts or even pieces of cardboard and then place sphagnum moss around the top making the bromeliad appear as though it is planted in the large container. There are specialty soils designed for terrestrial bromeliads, but if you don’t have access to a bromeliad mix, an orchid mix can work equally well. You can use a 50/50 mix of ordinary potting soil and some orchid bark mix which are available on Amazon. When we bought our Bromeliad, we were told that when the flower dies off, too snip it off and in the next flowering season it should grow back ! Clay pots dry out more quickly compared to plastic pots but bromeliads have minimal root zone moisture needs, so this added aeration can be an asset. Sphagnum is useful in mixes for bromeliads because it helps retain water when the soil is dry and holds water within it when damp preventing the roots from staying too soggy. I think you need to sterilize the scissors you use to cut the bloom , that is the info I have. I guess you could say I almost neglect them. If the mix consists of too much soil, it can stay too wet and cause their roots to rot. The inflorescence will eventually block new leaf growth and the plants will then focus their energy on producing pups. Bromeliad Society International If it has been used in the past, wash it several times with mild soap and water being careful to rinse it well. I didn’t count but I know I had 20 plants out of that one planter. Enhance the soil structure of your DIY bromeliad potting soil by adding cocopeat and worm castings to it “Bromeliads Make Great Housplants” LSU AgCenter, Dan Gill, “Perlite” Wikipedia If you are having a hard time finding any locally, you could order some off Amazon or another online source: http://www.amazon.com/Luster-Leaf-Long-Fiber-Sphagnum/dp/B0015HZI90. However, many nurseries and garden supply stores carry epiphytic bromeliad potting mixes which will greatly benefit the growth of the plant. Stake the plant, if necessary, with a bit of bamboo or chop stick until the roots are well developed. Provides the drainage zoophytic plants (Bromeliad) need Specially formulated for the specific needs of Bromeliad Can be used as a decorative top soil put them in a plastic bag with an apple for a couple of weeks. As far as potting mixes are concerned, we separate Bromeliads into two types. Your email address will not be published. Fir bark can be found at garden suppliers. If your plant is too top heavy you may have to stake it until its roots are well established. Jan, simply lift carefully the whole clump from the pot… remove some potting medium to expose the area where the mum and the pup attached..gently snip the point where they met and it would be fine…. Discover the beauty of bromeliads. These tropical beauties are known as epiphytic plants and attach to trees with roots that never reach the soil. I have them in a greenhouse and water them by putting the water on the plant and not the soil. The mix I use for my bromeliads is a combination of pine bark suitable for pots and planters, orchid mix (that has charcoal in it) and a small amount of perlite (either fine or jumbo). What potting mix would be best for it? Bromeliads grow in a wide range of climates and terrains, from the epiphytic Neoregelias clinging to rainforest trees to the massive Puyas growing on the sandy desert floors. Sources Required fields are marked *. Bromeliads, because of their adaptations to their natural growing environment, have special needs when it comes to soil or lack there of as the case may be. Give them well draining soil in a just big enough container with adequate drainage and they’ll be happy. THANK YOU for your help, There are a lot of different types of bromeliads. Let them dry completely. When it is heated it expands greatly and the finished product is incredibly light. For a non-chemical solution, you can use yellow sticky cards to trap the gnats. Orchid mixes, charcoal, and soil-less potting mixes work well. A six inch container is most likely the largest size your bromeliad will need. Take care to ensure that all of the leaves are above the potting mix. It says its a light weight soil with sphagnum peat moss, professional grade growers grade vermiculite, horticultural grade perlite and other ingredients designed to retain essential moisture while providing aeration and room for tender roots to grow…..do you think this mix would be good to repot it in, and do I need to add anyother type soil?? Bromeliad blend is a specially blended mixture of fibrous peat moss, coarse per lite, and seedling bark. You can also mount epiphytes on trees or other structures, which we will cover in a future article. This reduces soil volume but it is not usually a problem because of compact Bromeliad root structure. It adds texture and encourages movement of water through the container. these guys continue to fascinate me since the first big pink one i got in the 8o’s. How do I get all 3 plants healthy. So, do you cut the dead stalk? Usually this works. Minis, landscape, rare and unusual species. However, these bromeliads are not commonly grown. They do even better in shallow pots and may grow in low soil mediums such as orchid mix, a blend of bark, sphagnum moss and other organic amendments. “Tips for Caring for Your Bromeliad” Treasure Coast Bromeliad Society Luckily they produce pups after blooming and the pups will flower when they mature! When your container is ready, fill it to just below the surface with your special bromeliad potting mix. Plants may require repotting into a 5” or 6” pot after one or more seasons if it is a larger cultivar or one that produces offshoots. Do you know a source? It can be purchased in garden supply stores. If you notice the potting mix around your bromeliad consistently soggy, and you are not overwatering, you may need to try a different mix. the pups fall just below and start their life. Bromeliads prefer temperatures from 60F to 85F to survive and grow well. Last year I planted two bromeliads into my garden soil. Plant them on in a well draining soil mix or a sphagnum moss. Good Luck! Normally I either mix it in a nine litre bucket made up of about 3 1/4 bark, 1 quarter orchid mix and about 2 cups of perlite. Bromeliads are a type of plant called epiphytes, which means that they draw moisture from the air and don’t need to be in soil to survive. i pull at the dead flower and when ready it comes free from the base. I was told that when you see a colored tillandsia is has been sprayed to show us the color of the blooms and as the plant grows the green or gray appears in the middle and the color spray is on the tips. A basic bromeliad potting mix is one part small bark chips and one part peat-based soilless medium. Needed some soil solutions. Once the pup is either 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother plant, you can decide to remove the pup for the mother to grow another or keep it on and watch it grow from the mother until it expires. This will remove any pests, viruses, bacteria or fungus that could harm your bromeliad or any other container plant. This could be due to overwatering, as fungus gnats like to breed in very moist soil. If the container is very large, place an empty pot upside down in the container then place the bromeliad pot on top of it. Basic Requirements for Planting a New Bromeliad Good Potting Mix and Growing Medium. I have it in a tank with a misting system mounted to a small piece of tree fern but I want to take it out and pot it. Its going to take up to much room. Cryptanthus, Guzmania and Vriesia varieties are primarily terrestrial and require a mix with more water holding capacity (WHC). Perlite prevents soil mixes from becoming too compacted. This damages the tender, developing roots. It is possible to create your own bromeliad potting mix from purchased ingredients or even your own homemade ingredients. What happens if you have 3 in one pot and there is enough soil for everyone. To meet these needs, use a special bromeliad mix comprised of 1 part peat moss, 1 part sand or perlite, and 1 part chopped, decomposed tree bark or pine needles. my bromeliad is in full bloom right now, what do i do with it after bloom? Is it likely they will recover if I remove them and dry them out? Bromeliads aren’t picky about their soil as long as it is well draining. confused? the less care they get the better they like it, very little water and water in the middle of the plant. “Sphagnum” Wikipedia So I bought some starter seed mix soil. Buy tropical bromeliads for sale online. Wash the old container well and replace the current medium with a potting mix that contains more perlite or sand increasing the drainage capabilities. Unfortunately these potting mixes can be expensive. Even though they are planted in the ground they still need good air circulation and a chance to dry in between waterings. As the more common center blooming bromeliads grow, they produces more leaves which are also grown from the center of the plant. new plants like a year to flower. It is often sold as “Orchid Bark” as well. Meaning they grow non-parasitically on other plants (typically trees), in the ground, or on rocks respectively. Too much inorganic material and they won’t get enough nutrients to grow. I have it in with deflasked baby orchids at this time. It is too dense and does not allow for proper drainage. allow for maximum air and water flow while still providing support, water, and nutrients to the plants. Standard potting mix will suffice for Tropical Bromeliad houseplants. However you arrange your plant within a container, make sure that the drainage holes are not blocked and that watering will not damage your set up. All were bright pink when purchased and 2 were producing constant crop of blue flowers Most terrestrial (growing in the soil) bromeliads do not have leaves that form holding tanks to supply their need for water. If so, how far down? The zebra plant is distinguished by horizontal darker stripes across its leaves, while the urn plant has solid silver-green leaves. Just relax and enjoy the ride! This item Bromeliad and Jewel Classic Potting Mix - Standard Bag Hoffman 10410 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix, 10 Quarts Espoma OR4 Organic Orchid Mix Potting Soil, 4-Quart Perlite is usually formed from obsidian, a volcanic rock. Some bromeliads are necessarily epiphytic - growing on trees or other places; others are terrestrial - growing in the soil. Bromeliads that stay wet can be severely damaged by root rot. As a homemade bromeliad potting compost, a 50:50 mix of orchid potting mix and standard potting mix will be fine. Never add lime to potting mixed used for bromeliads. The one plant that is blooming is probably the pup and the other two are mother and older sibling. If you prefer, potting soil developed for use with orchids is suitable for bromeliads. Sphagnum peat moss also adds some acidity to the soil, which bromeliads typically prefer. You can also use a 50 / 50 mix of orchid bark and standard potting soil. The epiphytic bromeliads, those that grow in trees, will grow in anything that has good aeration and drains well but still holds enough moisture to keep the exposed roots happy. Why so different when all in same pot and environment For miniatures (plants 7” tall or less) and offsets, we use 4” azalea pots, which are more shallow than a standard pot. I have had good success mounting bromeliads to driftwood, i used a mixture of orchid , pete, perilite & wrapped it in sphagnum moss. Bromeliad Guzmania Plant. Learn more about bromeliad pups with our free Beginner’s Guide to Bromeliad Pups. It will mostly depend on your temperature/humidity levels — the more humid the air, the more important the air circulation is so as to avoid root rot and other fungus issues. Water bromeliads well and allow the soil to dry before watering again. If your pot is not retaining any water you know it is time to repot. You can either buy a bromeliad soil mix, or if you’re like me, you can just make your own because it’s easy and they’re not picky. When you purchase a bromeliad from a florist or garden center they are typically in bloom and will not grow more. You can find some here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Sticky-Aphid-Whitefly-Trap/dp/B000I6K3JY. The climate in your area including humidity and amount of sunlight will also affect your potting mix needs. Don’t allow the plant to rock back and forth, or wiggle. An informative site on the bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) family including classification, care requirements, propagation, blooming, diseases and insects, photographs, and product reviews. It also provides stronger support for the top heavy plants. Another general bromeliad potting mix … You can also use a highly diluted solution of bleach to wash the container. If you would like to use a larger pot to display the bromeliad there are several options. ? Bromeliads’ leaves form a cup at the plant’s base that catches and holds rainwater. think cactus care. They produce pups sometimes three or four. See and discover other items: bromeliad plant, orchid soil, soil mix, lawn soil, potting mix, Best bark chips for orchids There's a problem loading this menu right now. 1/2 potting soil, 1/4 perlite, and 1/4 orchid bark. More than 2,500 bromeliad species and thousands of bromeliad hybrids are available. Equal parts soil-less potting soil, perlite, and pine bark nuggets. One more DIY soil mix for bromeliads you can make is by adding succulent mix, orchid bark/fir bark, and compost. think jungle mountain-up high, regular humidity/misting, prompt thorough drainage, walk away. I would try the mix you purchased. Got it! Plastic pots are less expensive, but may not be heavy enough for tall plants such as billbergia. This is all great info and I’m sure I’ll get negative feedback for my comment, BUT I started out with 3 plants given to me by a coworker and I now have about 30. This means you can prepare your own mix using either 50% of orchid bark and 50% standard potting soil or equal parts of sphagnum peat moss, medium grade horticultural perlite, and fine fir bark for the mix. Other bromeliads include the A. blumenavii, which is upright and light green, and the A. Water. Then place the bromeliad in the container and press more potting mix around it. These natural properties will help the bromeliad get the water it needs while preventing root rot. Sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite should provide a light, slightly acidic mix that your bromeliad will thrive in. Equal parts sphagnum peat moss, medium grade horticultural perlite, and fine fir bark. For these varieties we use: 70% peat and 30% perlite. Be sure to keep an eye on your plant and make adjustments if necessary. Carefully remove the plant gently shaking as much of the old soil off as possible. I would say just separate and only the strong survive.. How critical is air circulation for bromeliads? Keeping the different growing habits of the plant in mind (right from terrestrial to indoor containers), a soil-free growing medium would be suitable to allow better drainage. Helping Your Bromeliad Thrive Situate your plant where it can receive bright partial sunlight. It helps water move easily through the mix. © 2019 bromeliads.info. It provides your bromeliads with the drainage, air flow, and root ventilation they find and thrive on in nature. Any soil used should allow for even distribution of moisture. I have some outside and most inside. this was GREAT. I have been keeping Bromeliads for a long time and I have never seen one bloom more than once. The best soil to use for bromeliads is a barky airy mix, such as The Espoma Company’s Organic Orchid Mix, that’s full of nutrients. 4, 5 and 6” pots are the most common sizes used for growing bromeliads. Learn how to care for your Hechtia bromeliad with this quick and easy informational guide. Terrestrial Bromeliads like Cryptanthus and others have root systems similar to ‘normal’ plants and like good, loamy potting soil with good drainage and aeration - qualities found in most bagged potting mixes. All Rights Reserved. Bromiliads usually only flower once and then they still grow but don’t flower. also,if i remove all the soil, would it grow roots and then grow in crystal water beads? Bromeliad pups can also be removed from the mother plant and potted in a similar fashion. With more than 3,000 different varieties from all over the world, soil requirements can be as diverse as the plants themselves. will send pic if I can figure out how!!! It holds water to be taken up by the roots and provides nutrients to plants. A bromiliad only flowers once, i hate to refute anyone, my bromelaid flowers each year (6 years now) and for the first time it is flowering 2 months after again!!! However, if you purchase a very small bromeliad that has not yet produced a bloom you will need to repot it. once i was in rio -they have those lava rick moutains were brom’s grow. Drainage is key for all bromeliads. Also, I plant mine in potting mix or top soil or garden mix, whatever I have on hand. There are some species in the genus Deuterocohnia that will continue to bloom on an existing inflorescence for up to six years. Any container that isn’t too big with adequate drainage will do. https://www.bromeliad.com/bromeliad-soil-mix-potting-instructions Some gravel at the bottom of the container helps. For a long time, bromeliads were considered advanced or expert houseplants, more fit for a greenhouse than a normal home, but bromeliads are finally beginning to attract the attention they deserve. Bromeliads need in-direct sunlight to grow well and produce flowers, with a few exceptions. Depending on the variety a bromeliad pup will reach full maturity, and flower, in 1 to 3 years. I think you can overthink plant care sometimes. … If you choose to use compost from your yard as part of the mix, be sure that it is first baked. Bromeliad specialists and some good nurseries sell a bromeliad potting mix, but you can make your own mix, just make sure it’s open and free draining. Check with your local growers to see if they have a preferred potting mix for your variety. http://www.amazon.com/Luster-Leaf-Long-Fiber-Sphagnum/dp/B0015HZI90, http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Sticky-Aphid-Whitefly-Trap/dp/B000I6K3JY. Here are three suggested mixes that you can try yourself: Other suggested materials include sand, tree fern and coconut shells. Bromeliad care and info. As soon as the cup emerges, begin to fill it with water. A mail order bromeliad supplier in Florida. You can use commercial soil, mix your own or amend your garden soil for those bromeliads that can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 9 and above. Feel free to try various mixes and substances to get a soil-less mix that your bromeliad thrives in. Terrestrial Bromeliads are generally larger and have root systems similar to other more common plants which have greater soil volume and moisture requirements.