Bromeliad.

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Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Light

Bright, indirect light

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Varies greatly, 15cm to over 1m

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Varies, often spring to summer

Cuidados

Provide bright, indirect light and good air circulation. Water by filling the central cup with water and allowing the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings. Watch for brown leaf tips, which can indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering.

Watering

Keep the central cup filled with water and water the soil when it begins to dry.

Feeding

Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 30 days during the growing season.

Pruning

Remove dead or dying leaves and spent flower stalks as needed.

Repotting

Repot only when the plant is root-bound or producing many offsets.

Soil

Well-draining, airy mix (e.g., orchid mix)

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral

Temperature

15 to 27°C

Humidity

50 to 70%

Drought tolerance

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, often flowering once and then producing offsets.

Deer and rabbits

High

Seguridad

People

This plant is not considered toxic to humans.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Some bromeliads have sharp leaf tips that could poke small children.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

Cómo identificarla

• Rosette-forming leaves
• Often colorful, stiff leaves
• Central cup or tank
• Showy, often brightly colored bracts
• Spike or cone-shaped flower clusters

Height

0.15 to 1m

Spread

0.15 to 1m

Leaves

Green, Red, Purple, Silver, Striped, Variegated, evergreen

Flowers

Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Purple, Blue, White, 2 to 15cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony insects that feed on plant sap, often found in leaf axils.
• Root rot — Caused by overwatering, leading to mushy, brown roots and yellowing leaves.
• Sunburn — Brown or bleached spots on leaves from excessive direct sunlight.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

Offsets, Division

When to plant

Spring, Summer

Overwintering

Indoors, protect from cold drafts and reduce watering slightly. Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

In containers

Excellent for containers, especially smaller species. A pot that allows for good drainage is key.

When grouping bromeliads with other plants, ensure they all have similar light, humidity, and watering needs to thrive together.

Buenas compañeras

• Orchids — Both often grow as epiphytes in similar tropical environments, sharing light and humidity needs.
• Ferns — Many ferns thrive in the dappled shade and moist conditions that bromeliads also prefer.
• Air Plants (Tillandsia) — These are also bromeliads, often sharing similar care requirements and aesthetic appeal.

Mantenla lejos de

• Mealybugs — These pests can infest bromeliads, weakening the plant by sucking sap.
• Scale Insects — Scale insects can attach to leaves and stems, feeding on plant juices and potentially spreading disease.
• Overwatering — Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, which is a common problem for many bromeliads.

Especies parecidas

• Air Plants — Many Tillandsia species are epiphytic bromeliads with similar care needs, though they often lack a prominent central cup.
• Guzmania — A popular genus of bromeliads known for their vibrant bracts, often confused with other colorful bromeliads.
• Vriesea — This genus includes many attractive bromeliads with often flat, strap-like leaves and striking flower spikes.

Ciencia

Family

Bromeliaceae

Order

Poales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

Tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.

Conservation

Some species, particularly those in threatened habitats like cloud forests, may be of conservation concern.

Many bromeliads have adapted to survive in diverse environments, from arid deserts to humid rainforests, often growing on other plants to access sunlight.

Uses

Ornamental, Air purification

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How do bromeliads get water and nutrients?

Many bromeliads absorb water and nutrients through their leaves, especially those that grow as epiphytes.

What kind of light do bromeliads need?

Most prefer bright, indirect light, similar to what they'd receive under a forest canopy.

How often should I water my bromeliad?

Water the central cup and the soil lightly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Do bromeliads need fertilizer?

A diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied to the cup or soil a few times during the growing season.

What are 'pups' on bromeliads?

Pups are new plantlets that grow from the base of the mother plant after it flowers.

De dónde viene el nombre

The family Bromeliaceae was named by Swedish botanist Olof Bromelius in honor of the 17th-century Dutch physician and botanist, Anders Celsius (not the temperature scale inventor). The scientific name comes from Bromelius.

Bueno saberlo

• Bromeliads are native to the Americas.
• They can store water in the cup formed by their leaves.
• Some bromeliads only bloom once in their lifetime, then produce pups.
• Their flowers can be very colorful and long-lasting.