Bromelia
- Height × spread
- 0.5m – 2m × 0.5m – 2m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 50 species of Bromelia - the genus that gave the name to a whole group of plants that we refer to as Bromeliads. These plants mostly originate in tropical parts of the Americas. They are of robust character and generally have spiked leaves. This can make their domestic management difficult. In the wild, as for example, South Africa, they can reach a height of 2 metres and may be used for hedging. In cooler areas such as the UK they are grown in a greenhouse in a very large container, perhaps half a beer barrel. They can make imposing specimens with large arching leaves and often look like a laid-back Phormium. Some such as Bromelia balansae are a fiery red at the centre when in flower. Bromelia humili, standing up to 60cm in height is a handsome house plant. In Mediterranean areas Bromelia can be used outdoors as spectacular rockery plants. Some forms of Bromelia have been used to make a paper substitute from their fibres. If grown indoors or in the greenhouse they require well drained soil, a bright position and protection from frost.
- Flower colour
- Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.5m – 2m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Use for
- Hedge
- Hazards
- Yes, some leaves are prickly
Spring
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
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.
Planting & general
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.
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).