Bromelia balansae 'Variegata'

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed with low nitrogen feed

Use a houseplant fertiliser that has low nitrogen content. Apply this several times while the plant is in active growth, reduce feeding and then stop feeding when the plant begins to fade, or winter starts.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a low value.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth.

Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Spring · Outdoors

Feed with low nitrogen feed

Occasionally while the plant is in growth, apply a specialist cactus feed that is low in nitrogen.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a low value.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

Spring - late · Planting

Divide when too large

When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.

Winter-Spring · Indoors

Water lightly in winter

The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.

The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.

Winter · Outdoors

Water sparingly during dormancy

In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.

When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.

Compost · Planting

Bromeliad (terrestrial) compost for repotting

These grow in soil, often in arid, dry areas. Standard compost mixes are often available or substitute with an orchid compost.

If making one's own compost, use a loam based compost (John Innes no. 1) with equal amounts of fine (horticultural) grit.

Hedges · Planting

Suitable for tropical areas

Used as a hedging plant in the tropics.

Indoor temperature · Planting

10C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, close to window

Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).