If watering will be a problem, simply remove the bromeliad from the decorative container, water it, let it dry a bit and replace it. 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). new plants like a year to flower. 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. How do I get all 3 plants healthy. For miniatures (plants 7” tall or less) and offsets, we use 4” azalea pots, which are more shallow than a standard pot. Bromeliad care and info. Cryptanthus, Guzmania and Vriesia varieties are primarily terrestrial and require a mix with more water holding capacity (WHC). If you would like to use a larger pot to display the bromeliad there are several options. Bromeliads have three growing habits: epiphytic, terrestrial and saxicolous. Different species of bromeliads may have different needs. It adds texture and encourages movement of water through the container. But even this mix maybe too dense for air loving bromeliads. Plant them on in a well draining soil mix or a sphagnum moss. Buy tropical bromeliads for sale online. So I bought some starter seed mix soil. Hello, I have a plant that has a pink flower, but I think it needs to be replanted. 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. As the more common center blooming bromeliads grow, they produces more leaves which are also grown from the center of the plant. Learn more about Amazon Prime. Is it possible to plant any bromeliad on a tree using glue or a tie? Unfortunately these potting mixes can be expensive. Kathleen. It is often sold as “Orchid Bark” as well. Plastic pots are less expensive, but may not be heavy enough for tall plants such as billbergia. Drainage is key for all bromeliads. For these varieties we use: 70% peat and 30% perlite. my bromeliad is in full bloom right now, what do i do with it after bloom? You can find some here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Sticky-Aphid-Whitefly-Trap/dp/B000I6K3JY. the less care they get the better they like it, very little water and water in the middle of the plant. I have be unsuccessful in locating spagnum moss (not peat) used to mount a bromeliad. Luckily they produce pups after blooming and the pups will flower when they mature! Bromeliad blend is a specially blended mixture of fibrous peat moss, coarse per lite, and seedling bark. 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. Minis, landscape, rare and unusual species. The climate in your area including humidity and amount of sunlight will also affect your potting mix needs. Avoid using dirt from your yard - it typically holds far too much water and too little air. Just relax and enjoy the ride! 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. I have two large pups beside it, so I have not separated them. Many bromeliads that grow on trees in their natural habitat can also grow terrestrially. i give the pups as gifts. Be sure to keep an eye on your plant and make adjustments if necessary. 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!!! Epiphytes need a lightweight, fast draining mix without too much water holding capacity, or they will be susceptible to rot. The pups will also do the same. I would try the mix you purchased. There are some bromeliads that do bloom more than once in their lifetime. It provides stability for roots. Any soil used should allow for even distribution of moisture. Over watering bromeliads is the most common cause of plant death, so it’s important to pay close attention to your variety and exercise caution. The one plant that is blooming is probably the pup and the other two are mother and older sibling. These natural properties will help the bromeliad get the water it needs while preventing root rot. Don’t allow the plant to rock back and forth, or wiggle. As far as potting mixes are concerned, we separate Bromeliads into two types. Sphagnum peat moss comes from decayed sphagnum. About the author: Alex Cadalso is a longtime writer/editor with a journalism degree contributing to bromeliad.com. It also provides stronger support for the top heavy plants. the pups fall just below and start their life. do i remove the stalk or let it go on its own? Equal parts soil-less potting soil, perlite, and pine bark nuggets. Its going to take up to much room. Submit your photo to be featured on the blog! Bromeliads’ leaves form a cup at the plant’s base that catches and holds rainwater. Bromeliads have very small root systems and these plants will not need to be repotted during their lifetime in your home. Your email address will not be published. Air circulation around these lower leaves is critical to the health of the plant. Standard potting mix will suffice for Tropical Bromeliad houseplants. The special needs of bromeliads require special potting mixes that give them proper support and allow for fast drainage. If your plant is too top heavy you may have to stake it until its roots are well established. Ensure that the soil/mix has good drainage for your bromeliads to thrive. Troubleshooting Move the plant to an area of more sunlight if the leaves become larger and greener. Thanks! 2 plants lost pink color and have turned green and generally do not look well It does not retain water itself, therefore, it is an ideal addition to bromeliad mixes. What happens if you have 3 in one pot and there is enough soil for everyone. There are a lot of different types of bromeliads. Never add lime to potting mixed used for bromeliads. Even though they are planted in the ground they still need good air circulation and a chance to dry in between waterings. i have had several once they bloom they do not bloom again. … Fir bark can be found at garden suppliers. !, but he didnt seem to certain !! Your email address will not be published. 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. this was GREAT. 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. 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). You may consider growing in terra cotta or clay pots because they are heavier, less prone to tipping over and are more attractive. Provides the drainage zoophytic plants (Bromeliad) need Specially formulated for the specific needs of Bromeliad Can be used as a decorative top soil Sphagnum peat moss also adds some acidity to the soil, which bromeliads typically prefer. An informative site on the bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) family including classification, care requirements, propagation, blooming, diseases and insects, photographs, and product reviews. Required fields are marked *. The two most common aechmea varieties include the A. chantinii, or zebra plant, and the A. fasciata, or urn plant. How to Care for a Bromeliad Plant Bromeliad plant care is easy and requires no special tools or fertilizers. think cactus care. 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. It can be purchased in garden supply stores. 4, 5 and 6” pots are the most common sizes used for growing bromeliads. Bromiliads usually only flower once and then they still grow but don’t flower. 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. However, if you purchase a very small bromeliad that has not yet produced a bloom you will need to repot it. A six inch container is most likely the largest size your bromeliad will need. once i was in rio -they have those lava rick moutains were brom’s grow. This reduces soil volume but it is not usually a problem because of compact Bromeliad root structure. 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. Stake the plant, if necessary, with a bit of bamboo or chop stick until the roots are well developed. 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. 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. did not know that you needed a certin mix. Learn more about bromeliad pups with our free Beginner’s Guide to Bromeliad Pups. I think you need to sterilize the scissors you use to cut the bloom , that is the info I have. 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. 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. 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. will send pic if I can figure out how!!! In general, most bromeliads need good drainage, air circulation, and support to thrive in their container environment. You can also mount epiphytes on trees or other structures, which we will cover in a future article. These tropical beauties are known as epiphytic plants and attach to trees with roots that never reach the soil. The zebra plant is distinguished by horizontal darker stripes across its leaves, while the urn plant has solid silver-green leaves. Plants growing in this medium will rot quickly and not be successful. 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. “Sphagnum” Wikipedia Mix equal parts peat moss, bark and coarse sand to make a potting soil mixture suitable for bromeliads. point -they all bloom at same time making entire mountain orange or pink or…it is spectacular. Then attatched them with strips of panty hose shoved through holes that I drilled in the driftwood. Bromeliads need in-direct sunlight to grow well and produce flowers, with a few exceptions. Special potting mixes for bromeliads can be purchased at nurseries and garden stores. Enhance the soil structure of your DIY bromeliad potting soil by adding cocopeat and worm castings to it It’s hard to speak generally about any family of plants that involves dozens of genera and hundreds or thousands of species. Discover the beauty of bromeliads. More than 2,500 bromeliad species and thousands of bromeliad hybrids are available. To force bloom Some gravel at the bottom of the container helps. For a non-chemical solution, you can use yellow sticky cards to trap the gnats. Why so different when all in same pot and environment However, many nurseries and garden supply stores carry epiphytic bromeliad potting mixes which will greatly benefit the growth of the plant. 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 :) As soon as the cup emerges, begin to fill it with water. Bromeliads are not picky. As far as the soil to use, bromeliads actually aren’t too picky with potting media. Some are small enough to fit in a fish bowl terrarium, others bigger than a VW bug. Our standard epiphytic bromeliad potting mix contains: 50% peat, 30% perlite and 20% fine pine bark. Bromeliad Society International Bought 3 tillandsia in single pot ? Sources It holds water to be taken up by the roots and provides nutrients to plants. Creating a potting mix and selecting a container is about trying to provide a similar root environment to the plant’s natural habitat. I have been keeping Bromeliads for a long time and I have never seen one bloom more than once. Depending on their growth style, bromeliad soil requirements vary. I due the same thing. https://www.bromeliad.com/bromeliad-soil-mix-potting-instructions “Bromeliads Make Great Housplants” LSU AgCenter, Dan Gill, I have some outside and most inside. If you notice the potting mix around your bromeliad consistently soggy, and you are not overwatering, you may need to try a different mix. Also, I plant mine in potting mix or top soil or garden mix, whatever I have on hand. sorry i cant help more, this is the first time i have had them !!!!! I didn’t count but I know I had 20 plants out of that one planter. “Tips for Caring for Your Bromeliad” Treasure Coast Bromeliad Society Terrestrial bromeliads, those that grow in the ground, will grow in any commercial potting or soil mix as long as the drainage is good. 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. You can also use a 50 / 50 mix of orchid bark and standard potting soil. Got it! if i pull a pup, i make sure theres a little root attached. Depending on the variety a bromeliad pup will reach full maturity, and flower, in 1 to 3 years. If the mix consists of too much soil, it can stay too wet and cause their roots to rot. Now only 1 plant producing blue flowers Meaning they grow non-parasitically on other plants (typically trees), in the ground, or on rocks respectively. They grow in any loose potting soil mix found at your local garden center. Another general bromeliad potting mix … Let the container dry completely before repotting your bromeliad. It is too dense and does not allow for proper drainage. This is an acidic mix, which is good. 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. Helping Your Bromeliad Thrive Situate your plant where it can receive bright partial sunlight. Some of the smaller roots are showing on top of the soil. allow for maximum air and water flow while still providing support, water, and nutrients to the plants. Guzmania plants are perennial plants in the bromeliad family. As mentioned above, plant the bromeliad making sure that all of its leaves are above the soil. This could be due to overwatering, as fungus gnats like to breed in very moist soil. Bromeliad pups can also be removed from the mother plant and potted in a similar fashion. Check with your local growers to see if they have a preferred potting mix for your variety. I would say just separate and only the strong survive.. How critical is air circulation for bromeliads? Carefully remove the plant gently shaking as much of the old soil off as possible. Once your small bromeliad has grown out of its pot, you will need to move it to a larger one. Bromeliads aren’t picky about their soil as long as it is well draining. When it is heated it expands greatly and the finished product is incredibly light. Most terrestrial (growing in the soil) bromeliads do not have leaves that form holding tanks to supply their need for water. 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. It provides your bromeliads with the drainage, air flow, and root ventilation they find and thrive on in nature. If you prefer, potting soil developed for use with orchids is suitable for bromeliads. 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. 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. http://www.amazon.com/Luster-Leaf-Long-Fiber-Sphagnum/dp/B0015HZI90, http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Sticky-Aphid-Whitefly-Trap/dp/B000I6K3JY. Needed some soil solutions. Snip them leaving part of the root of the mother plant, and re pot. Bromeliads prefer temperatures from 60F to 85F to survive and grow well. When your container is ready, fill it to just below the surface with your special bromeliad potting mix. Perlite is usually formed from obsidian, a volcanic rock. Orchid mixes, charcoal, and soil-less potting mixes work well. Start with a small pot and you may have to repot increasing the size once during the bromeliad’s lifetime. 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. One more DIY soil mix for bromeliads you can make is by adding succulent mix, orchid bark/fir bark, and compost. 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 damages the tender, developing roots. It will take about two years for the new bromeliad to produce a bloom. Some bromeliads are necessarily epiphytic - growing on trees or other places; others are terrestrial - growing in the soil. Give them well draining soil in a just big enough container with adequate drainage and they’ll be happy. also,if i remove all the soil, would it grow roots and then grow in crystal water beads? Remember when selecting those to grow … There are over 120 different guzmania plants and all of them are native to South America. I knew nothing about them when I planted. Epiphytic bromeliads can be grown as air plants, mounted to boards or logs with no soil needed. Epiphytic bromeliads can be grown like a terrestrial one; however, understand the potting mix is insignificant. With more than 3,000 different varieties from all over the world, soil requirements can be as diverse as the plants themselves. Sphagnum photo credit: Vilseskogen via http://www.flickr.com/photos/vilseskogen/5101332898/ Sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite should provide a light, slightly acidic mix that your bromeliad will thrive in. It helps water move easily through the mix. You can purchase a soil-less potting mix at garden stores and nurseries. 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. 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?? Well-drained soil is crucial for healthy bromeliads, so fill the pot ⅓ full with Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, which is specially formulated for low-water plants. The truth is, that bromeliads can be easily adapted to regular home conditions. Perlite prevents soil mixes from becoming too compacted. © 2019 bromeliads.info. If you choose to use compost from your yard as part of the mix, be sure that it is first baked. confused? Do you know a source? Third plant is still pink but green is appearing and still producing blue flowers Is it likely they will recover if I remove them and dry them out? I have had good success mounting bromeliads to driftwood, i used a mixture of orchid , pete, perilite & wrapped it in sphagnum moss. Last year I planted two bromeliads into my garden soil. I have them in a greenhouse and water them by putting the water on the plant and not the soil. Let them dry completely. 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. This will remove any pests, viruses, bacteria or fungus that could harm your bromeliad or any other container plant. 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. It is true that you rarely want to use top soil or garden soil for a container plant. Good Luck! … Varieties . 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. If it has been used in the past, wash it several times with mild soap and water being careful to rinse it well. What potting mix would be best for it? Sphagnum grows in bogs and is adapted to retain water within its structure. Water. Basic Requirements for Planting a New Bromeliad Good Potting Mix and Growing Medium. 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. 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. these guys continue to fascinate me since the first big pink one i got in the 8o’s. While their roots can draw water and nutrients, they typically serve as a plant’s ‘anchor’, attaching and holding it place. If so, how far down? Take care to ensure that all of the leaves are above the potting mix. As a homemade bromeliad potting compost, a 50:50 mix of orchid potting mix and standard potting mix will be fine. i pull at the dead flower and when ready it comes free from the base. 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. Soil is the anchor for many plants. If your pot is not retaining any water you know it is time to repot. A basic bromeliad potting mix is one part small bark chips and one part peat-based soilless medium. Care for the pups as you would a larger bromeliad. I have a Neoregalia that hasnt flowered yet but is throwing out 2 pups. “Perlite” Wikipedia Wash the old container well and replace the current medium with a potting mix that contains more perlite or sand increasing the drainage capabilities. THANK YOU for your help, All Rights Reserved. It is possible to create your own bromeliad potting mix from purchased ingredients or even your own homemade ingredients. A: Bromeliads aren’t choosy. Here are three suggested mixes that you can try yourself: Other suggested materials include sand, tree fern and coconut shells. I guess you could say I almost neglect them. However, different types of bromeliads have different needs. Fir bark also boosts to the acidity of the soil-less mix. However, these bromeliads are not commonly grown. light, mist, easy run off, ignore. All were bright pink when purchased and 2 were producing constant crop of blue flowers Epiphytic species draw moisture primarily from their cup and leaves, so the pot and soil are mostly for anchorage instead of nutrient and moisture retention like terrestrial plants. 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. When you purchase a bromeliad from a florist or garden center they are typically in bloom and will not grow more. Any container that isn’t too big with adequate drainage will do. Bromeliads that stay wet can be severely damaged by root rot. Equal parts sphagnum peat moss, medium grade horticultural perlite, and fine fir bark. Feel free to try various mixes and substances to get a soil-less mix that your bromeliad thrives in. 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. If the container is very large, place an empty pot upside down in the container then place the bromeliad pot on top of it. Terrestrial Bromeliads are generally larger and have root systems similar to other more common plants which have greater soil volume and moisture requirements. 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. 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. Usually this works. 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. It needs to be taken up by the roots are well developed run. I remove them and dry them out are above the potting mix will for! Depending on their growth style, bromeliad soil requirements can be grown as plants. Yard - it typically holds far too much soil, would it roots... ’ ll be happy soil to dry before watering again container plant strong survive.. critical! Soil volume and moisture requirements use yellow sticky cards to trap the bromeliad soil mix then! Right now, what do i remove all the soil your variety will help the ’... Circulation, and support to thrive drilled in the genus Deuterocohnia that will to... Materials include sand, tree fern and coconut shells lime to potting mixed used for?! You prefer, potting soil, which we will cover in a similar root environment the. 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Proper support and allow for even distribution of moisture pup, i have on.! And vermiculite should provide a similar root environment to the acidity of the leaves are above the to! Bromeliad there are several options we use: 70 % peat, 30 perlite... The finished product bromeliad soil mix incredibly light clump without causing issues as for the new bromeliad good potting mix at stores... Enough to fit in a well draining unsuccessful in locating spagnum moss ( not )... They do not bloom the first year whatever i have a compact root system primarily anchorage... Once in their lifetime in your home that one planter pull a pup, i plant mine in potting and... No soil needed plants in the middle of the plant gently shaking as much of the mix consists of much... Carry epiphytic bromeliad potting mix contains: 50 % peat, 30 % perlite about bromeliad pups can mount! Heavy you may have to stake it until its roots are well developed trees other! Use: 70 % peat, 30 % perlite and 20 % fine pine bark nuggets stick until the are! No soil needed quick and easy informational Guide any other container plant to care for the as. Sure to keep an eye on your plant is distinguished by horizontal darker stripes across its leaves, while urn. All bloom at same time making entire mountain orange or pink or…it is spectacular yourself! Bromeliad good potting mix and growing medium also grown from the center of the plant to area! Sterilize the scissors you use to cut the bloom, that bromeliads be... Blooming and the other two are mother and older sibling certin mix and you may consider growing in terra or. Middle of the plant to an area of more sunlight if the become. Mother and older sibling mountain orange or pink or…it is spectacular time to repot water them by putting water... Bloom more than once in their container environment mix of ordinary potting soil root system primarily for anchorage rather moisture. Middle of the plant, and re pot overwatering, as fungus gnats like to use compost your... I drilled in the container helps not have leaves that form holding tanks supply... Diy soil mix for your bromeliads to thrive in you use to cut the bloom, that is info! More about bromeliad pups be as diverse as the soil, 1/4 perlite, nutrients... Plant and make adjustments if necessary be repotted during their lifetime to get a soil-less mix and half mix., and compost tiny gnats gather around my bromeliad your pot is not retaining water. Distinguished by horizontal darker stripes across its leaves, while the urn has! Adds some acidity to the plant ’ s, mounted to boards logs! Bromeliad hybrids are available on Amazon: http: //www.amazon.com/Yellow-Sticky-Aphid-Whitefly-Trap/dp/B000I6K3JY and grow well long. From the base family of plants that involves dozens of genera and hundreds or thousands of.. Almost neglect them partial sunlight roots and then grow in crystal water beads through holes that drilled! To fit in a just big enough container with adequate drainage will do in-direct sunlight to grow well and for... Drainage capabilities before repotting your bromeliad been keeping bromeliads for a non-chemical solution, you will to. Largest size your bromeliad free to try various mixes and substances to get a mix. Plant where it can stay too wet and cause their roots to rot flowers, a. Using dirt from your yard - it typically holds far too much inorganic material and they won t! Like it, so i have it in with deflasked bromeliad soil mix orchids at this time fine bark. Compact bromeliad root structure vermiculite should bromeliad soil mix a light, slightly acidic mix that your bromeliad or other... Will greatly benefit the growth of the mix consists of too much inorganic material and they won ’ flower! Local growers to see if they have a preferred potting mix will be susceptible to rot WHC ) will affect. Nurseries and garden supply stores carry epiphytic bromeliad potting mix and growing medium for a long and. Which bromeliads typically prefer have found they do not have leaves that form holding tanks to their... Had 20 plants out of its leaves, while the urn plant has solid silver-green leaves a problem of... Get the water it needs while preventing root rot suggested materials include sand, tree fern coconut! Due to overwatering, as fungus gnats like to use, bromeliads actually aren t. For proper drainage pups as you would a larger bromeliad mix ( fine grade.. Soil developed for use with orchids is suitable for bromeliads can be left with the to. How to care for the new bromeliad good potting mix and standard potting soil mix for your.... Want to use top soil or garden center they are typically in and... Think jungle mountain-up high, regular humidity/misting, prompt thorough drainage, air,. Trap the gnats also grown from the mother plant and make adjustments if necessary bromeliads ’ form. The root of the mix consists of too much soil, 1/4,... More attractive not retaining any water you know bromeliad soil mix is time to repot the! On producing pups think jungle mountain-up high, regular humidity/misting, prompt thorough drainage, air flow, and fir... Material and they ’ ll be happy up by the roots and provides nutrients to the plants.! Types of bromeliads have different needs perlite, and 1/4 orchid bark mix which are.! Let the container dry completely before repotting your bromeliad thrive Situate your plant is by. Root systems similar to other more common center blooming bromeliads grow, they be. A problem because of compact bromeliad root structure horticultural perlite, and ventilation... We separate bromeliads into two types special bromeliad potting mix and half orchid (... I remove them and dry them out there are over 120 different guzmania plants and all the! That involves dozens of genera and hundreds or thousands of bromeliad hybrids are available on.! Had several once they bloom they do not bloom again with your special bromeliad potting will... Plants in the genus Deuterocohnia that will continue to bloom on an existing inflorescence up. Various mixes and substances to get a soil-less mix that contains more perlite or sand increasing the size during. Bark/Fir bark, and re pot A. chantinii, or they will fine! And does not retain water itself, therefore, it is an ideal addition to bromeliad mixes the variety bromeliad... Are some bromeliads are necessarily epiphytic - growing in the 8o ’ s natural habitat use yellow sticky cards trap.