Bromeliad Plants Basics

The Bromeliad plant has a cycle of life that provides beautiful foliage, a dramatic bloom, and efficient reproduction.

Bromeliads are native to American Tropics. The well-known pineapple is the fruit of a plant in the Bromeliad family. This plant is adaptable to indoor and outdoor environments and is related to Spanish moss. When Bromeliads are in their native environment they get their nutrients from the air and rain. These Bromeliad plants develop a special root structure so that it can attach itself to tree trunks, branches, and even rocks. These Bromeliads are known as saxicolous. Many types of Bromeliads are terrestrial and grow in the ground like most plants do. Surprisingly each type of Bromeliad can switch places and adapt to its new environment!

Bromeliads can provide beautiful blooms. Mostly they are cultivated for indoors but grow well out doors in warm and humid environments. The plant only blooms once in its lifetime, but with the variation in leaves, the Bromeliad is still a good choice for home décor and gardens. It is easy to grow and hardy.

In the plant family, Bromeliaceae, there is a wide range of variety in the shape, color, and size of the plants. The appearance of species in an individual genus can have drastic differences. Bromeliad plants that are cultivated for indoor environments often have the following common appearance traits: no stems, central flower spike, strap-shaped leaves, leathery texture, and arched leaves arranged in a rosette.

Bromeliad care is easy. Air circulation and humidity assure the Bromeliad plant will flourish in a home.

A Bromeliad bloom can be one of a wide variety of colors. When a Bromeliad plant is preparing to bloom, the leaves on the upper part of the plant will also change color, intensifying the appearance of the Bromeliad bloom. This will only occur once in the life of a Bromeliad. Once it blooms the plant will focus on producing the next generation of Bromeliads and “pup” will begin to sprout up around the plant. The types of Bromeliad plant that are commonly grown will only produce one flower at a time. Once a plant is mature enough to start blooming, it can be encouraged to bloom by doing the following: properly fertilized, watered regularly, adequate light, warmth (a lamp near by may help), and, add a small amount of Epsom salts to soil (for the magnesium).

Some plants may still resist blooming. One last thing to try is to put the plant in a plastic for about a week with a ripe apple. The apple will emit ethylene gas and this will trigger blooming. During this time keep the plant and bag out of direct sunlight.

A well cared for Bromeliad will beauty to any home or garden. Its “pups” can be transplanted to add to and indoors or outdoors garden. They can also be shared with friends or sold at swap meets.