Bromeliaceae, the Bromeliaceae family is what brings together the many and varied bromeliad plants.
They can occupy a wide range of habitats due to their diverse forms.
The watering needs of each plant will also vary depending on the type and substrate in which they are growing.
Some species are terrestrial, growing directly from the ground. Others are epiphytic and live on the branches. Others grow on shifting dunes or bare rocks.
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Most of the plants in this group are native to tropical South America. However, there are a couple exceptions.
Their strap-shaped long leaves are spirally arranged into a whorl to form a tuft. Their bracts are usually very colorful in shades of pink, orange, red and yellow.
Bromeliads that lack extensive roots have developed various mechanisms to collect water through their leaves.
Many species collect water at the base of their leaves, forming a cup or pool. Other species, such as The air plants (Tillandsia spp.)The absorbent material is designed to remove moisture from the air.
These unusual and inventive strategies mean some bromeliads don’t want to be Watering houseplants is the same as with most other plants. are.
Find out how you can appease and hydrate these exotic tropical animals. Here’s what we’ll cover:
How much water does a bromeliad need?
When trying to figure out how much water any kind of plant requires to thrive, it’s handy to know where it comes from.
Whether you’re aiming to emulate a monsoon season, constant wet weather, or the searing heat of a desert, keeping a plant’s native habitat in mind will help you take care of it properly.
There are many different kinds of plants that come from different habitats. You can research which type you would like to grow, and find out about its climate.
These plants are often attracted to moist, well-draining substrates, and warm, humid conditions. You can In our guide, we explain how to grow Bromeliads..
Here we’ll break down the most common types of bromeliads according to how they store and absorb moisture.
This is a grouping that includes a wide range of types based on the watering needs.
Air Plants
You can find air plants in any nursery that has a nice indoor tropical section.
Mostly, the groupings are in the Tillandsia These plants look like a terrestrial squid or octopus.
Its species lack extensive root systems and instead have specialized cells in their leaves which quickly absorb water, nutrients and oxygen from the atmosphere.
Water your air plants less than you would think necessary.
It’s very good at extracting what it needs from the air and whatever water you provide. It will be happy if you keep it near a warm, diffusely-lit window.
For a proper hydration, dip it for a few second in a small glass of water once or twice per week.
It’s best to use rainwater if you can, as tap water often contains high levels of minerals which can crystallize on the plant’s leaves and interfere with nutrient uptake.
If you don’t have a way to collect rainwater, bottled water works too.
Allow air plants to completely dry between waterings. Make sure each plant is tilted at an angle so liquid doesn’t pool in the plant’s rosette. This could lead to rot.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact us. Tillandsia It may require frequent watering if it lives in an area that is warm and sunny. If it’s shadier and cooler, perhaps provide a little less.
After a few waterings you’ll start to be able to judge the plant’s weight and learn when to water based on its heft.
Epiphytes
The literal translation of the Greek derived word “epiphyte” is “upon a plant.” And that’s exactly what these types of bromeliads do: they grow, quite happily, on other plants.
These roots are short, wiry and tough. They’re quite similar in form to those of the air plants but grow into and onto substrate that’s a little different.
Air plants are technically epiphytes, but we’ll group them separately for this guide based on the differences between their leaves, roots and preferred substrate.
Some epiphytes grow in debris accumulated in crevices in tree trunks while others adhere to bare branches.
These ingenious plants use their roots as anchors to cling onto their arboreal scaffolding. They also act as rain catchers.
Just as the air plant’s leaves contain specialized, absorbent cells designed to capture water, so do the aerial roots of epiphytic bromeliads.
Misting epiphytes is a good idea, especially if you have a dry home. However, if your home is sufficiently humid, you may not need to mist.
The right amount of misting can be tricky to find, as a plant with constantly wet foliage can develop fungal disease.
Water the substrate first and misting can be added on as an extra. Mist your plants one to two time a week. If any spots or patches of white soil appear, you should stop the practice.
If your specimen is planted in a pot, it’s likely in soil that drains very quickly and efficiently, like cactus soil, or potting mix combined with lots of bark pieces, sand, or gravel.
If you’re watering a container, do so only when the top two inches of the soil is dry, and apply generously until the excess comes out of the bottom of the pot.
Epiphytic Bromeliads possess reservoirs at the bases of their leaves. Fill these up while watering – if possible, empty the reservoir first by carefully tipping the water out.
Look for signs of underwatering, such as wilting or crispy edges on the leaves. If you see that happening, make sure you’re watering enough once the top of the soil dries out.
Water the substrate until it is evenly moist. You can also mist your plant to see if it responds.
If your leaves are healthy, turgid and vibrantly green, then you know that the plant is well-watered.
Learn more about epiphytes with our guide.
Terrestrial Types
This group includes some of the most commonly cultivated bromeliads.
There are many species of birds and animals in the world. Aechema In their native range, South and Central America, popular bromeliads grow in the soil.
Bromeliads which grow on the ground are sometimes called terrestrial bromeliads.
Terrestrial bromeliads can catch water in the base of their rosette where the leaves form a cup shape whorl.
This group will have a lot of success if they can fill and refill this cup.
The best soils for growing ground bromeliads are those that drain well. After allowing the top inch to dry completely, thoroughly water the soil.
You might need to water your bromeliad once or twice a week in a typical home environment during the spring and summer. In winter, while your bromeliad isn’t actively growing, you can reduce this to once every other week.
While watering, fill your plant’s rosette cup.
Bromeliads which grow on rocks or sand are often grouped together.
You can grow them on a rock or piece of bark, as well as in a pot with a freely draining substrate.
They can be misted regularly, but they also need to be watered in the same manner as terrestrial bromeliads.
As always, do your research and identify what it is that you’re growing if you want to take care of it well!
Happy Bromeliads
Although these tropical novelties are a little different than your typical houseplants when it comes to watering, they’re not as high maintenance as you might think.
It is important to remember to allow them to dry between waterings, and to not cut back on hydration when the time comes.
You may have to water more or less depending on your home’s location.
Watch for signs that your plants are not getting enough or too much moisture. Crisp leaf margins can be a sign.
Do you have bromeliads? What type do you have in your collection? How often do you water your plants?
Please tell us more! We always welcome your comments. You can also ask any questions you may have. We are happy to be of assistance.
And that’s not all Bromeliads: more informationNext, you can check out our guides.