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.

Plant guide

Bromeliad.

Bromeliaceae

Also known as Bromeliad, Bromeliads, Rhodostachys Family, pineapple family

Tillandsia setacea — Photo by geosesarma (CC BY) via gbif

Bromeliads are a diverse family of tropical plants, many of which are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants. They are known for their striking foliage and often spectacular flower spikes, making them popular houseplants and landscape plants in warmer climates.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Signs it needs repotting

Offsets crowding the pot.
Roots emerging from the drainage holes.
Soil drying out much faster than usual.
Plant appears unstable in its pot.

Safety

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.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

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.

Offsets (Pups)

Wait until the pup is about one-third the size of the mother plant.
Gently separate the pup from the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife.
Allow the cut end to callus over for a day or two.
Pot the pup in a well-draining bromeliad or orchid mix.
Water lightly and keep in bright, indirect light.

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

Grows well with

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.

Keep away from

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.

Similar species

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.

Science

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

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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.

Good to know

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.

Is your bromeliad looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.