Bromeliads make good houseplants. They are an attractive plant that comes from the tropics. 

There are many different varieties, that come in different shapes, sizes, textures, and colours. Some have colourful foliage, others have colourful inflorescences (stalk containing flowers) that are covered in dozens of small colourful flowers, while others have colourful bracts.

Bromeliads are known for their leaves that grow in a spiral formation which looks like a rosette and in the centre of the spiral is a reservoir or molded cup. On some varieties the inflorescence and colourful bracts grow out of the cup and this is where the plant is given water, by filling the cup. A very common bromeliad is the pineapple which produces edible fruit.

Don’t let the bromeliads exotic appearance fool you into thinking they are hard to grow. They are an easy to care for plant that easily adapts to many conditions, and are rarely bothered by pests or disease. They are able to tolerate a range of temperatures but do best in room temperature, and prefer high humidity with good air circulation.

Most varieties grow best in a well it area and it should tell you on the plant label.

If the foliage becomes burned or bleached the plant is in too much direct sun and if the plant is not producing colour it could be due to lack of light. Generally bromeliads will tolerate infrequent watering making it a good choice for people who forget to water on a regular basis. The tank bromeliads which hold the water in their cup should have the cups filled with water and every 2-3 weeks the cup should be flushed out with fresh water so the water remains fresh. Even though the roots are only there to hold the plant down (because the foliage of the plant absorbs the water and nutrients) the soil should still be given water when it becomes dry.

Be careful when it comes to fertilizing bromeliads. Fertilize in the spring/summer when the plant is actively growing with an all purpose 20-20-20 and do not fertilize when the plants growth slows down. Use a weakened solution, by watering the fertilizer down, from the recommendations given on the fertilizer container.

Bromeliads are most often available in the garden centre when they are in flower. This is because some varieties will only bloom once and then after they have finished blooming the bromeliad plant will produce pups (new plants) and the main flowering plant dies. The pups can be transplanted into containers of their own when the roots become visible or when they reach one-third to half of the parent’s size.

If they do not have roots bury the bottom 2 cm of the pup in a good quality indoor soil and keep them warm. When they root they can be transplanted into their own pots. If you don’t want to transplant the pups remove the mother plant by cutting it out and this will allow the new young plants to fill in.

When in bloom the bromeliads’ flower will last for months making it a beautiful flowering plant, but when it is not in flower, it is still an attractive tropical plant. To get some bromeliads into bloom is not always easy. They need lots of warmth and sun. Sometimes placing the plant in a plastic bag with a ripe apple in the bag will help get the plant into bloom. The ethylene gas the apple emits can help with flower production.

Bromeliads are an indoor plant that has many attributes. They are exotic looking, attractive, colourful, long lasting blooms, and easy to care for!

 -Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 west at Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road (closed for the season)