Bromeliads prefer relative humidity of 50 to 75% and need the higher levels as temperatures increase. Most tap water is satisfactory for growing bromeliads but avoid alkaline or salty water. The terrestrial tank bromeliad Billbergia litoralis growing in restinga habitat on sand dunes near Salvador, Brazil. Nell The succulent leaves are very stiff and spiny. Wash any compost off the roots. Most bromeliads are shipped without soil and not much of a root system (bare root) and do not need large pots. Instead, use specific Bromeliad potting mixes. That will help stabilize the rather top-heavy plant as it grows. It is neither Spanish nor a moss but an epiphytic bromeliad. Some have narrow, almost grassy, leaves. Many web sites may tell you that this is not the case, but many bromeliads are lost to this bad advice. The inconspicuous inflorescence barely rises above the water in the center of the plant, with small white, blue or lavender flowers, so these plants are grown primarily for their colorful foliage. Most Bromeliads dislike ordinary soil or potting soil because it does not drain properly and rots the root system. Hi Gigi – Bromeliads tolerate dry air surprisingly well. Some people like to attach their bromeliads to wood to make indoor bromeliad trees, rather than growing them in pots of compost. It will leave spots on the leaves, however, which can make plants unsightly, especially those with shiny green leaves. Bromeliads should receive 12 to 16 hours daily of relatively bright light. The new plants should be potted appropriately and kept in a shadier, more humid site until new roots begin to grow. The root anatomy of bromeliad Nidularium minutum Mez was studied and the efficiency of root system in contributing to the growth, development and mineral uptake of the species evaluated. Many have brightly colored leaves, flowers or fruit, and range in size from moss-like species of Tillandsia to the enormous Puya raimondii from the Andes which produces a flowering stem up to 15 feet tall. They have a weak root system that’s adapted to loose or rocky soil, and a large well or tank that holds the plant’s water supply. Potting. But too high humidity seems to inhibit the formation of leaf scales, which may make some plants less attractive under these conditions. The leaves are generally dark green (but a few are colored) and shiny with smooth margins. Some bromeliads have also developed an adaptation known as the tank habit, which involves them forming a tightly bound structure with their leaves that helps to capture water and nutrients in the absence of a well-developed root system. 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXht1aitrY%3D&md5=76d0ad375b31881ce6ca042340a0e9e5, 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2sXht12nu7o%3D&md5=13c548ba6fbefd9eed63dab5f1660ba9. To accomplish this analysis, four treatments were applied as follows: (i) control plants with 5 mL H2O on substrate and 5 mL H2O into tank; (ii) plants supplied with nutrients to the tank with 5 mL H2O on substrate and 5 mL Hoagland and Arnon solution into tank; (iii) plants supplied with nutrients to the roots with 5 mL HA on substrate and 5 mL H2O into tank; and (iv) plants supplied with nutrients to the tank and roots with 5 mL HA on substrate and 5 mL HA into tank. Cover the whole root system with moist sphagnum moss (affiliate link). Inadequate watering has been associated with poor growth and bloom. url : { filterview : "Program - Horticulture" } , Each long-lasting flower displays a long yellow stamen. Plants with a shorter lifespan may never need to be repotted. These species develop the best color in strong light and with cool night temperatures. Some popular cultivars have very elaborate banding with sharp zigzag patterns. Add a very small amount of fertilizer to distilled water to prevent this problem. This group of 50 species and several hundred hybrids is grown primarily for the foliage. The small root system is used primarily for anchorage and the functions of water and nutrient uptake has been taken over by the leaves. After the colonization of the New World it was rapidly transported to all areas of the tropics, and now is widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas. – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison. Nitrogen metabolism in leaves of a tank epiphytic bromeliad: characterization of a spatial and functional division. Place your bromeliad so that the top of the root ball is about ¾ to 1 inch below the rim of the container (to leave space for watering). And, it’s best to not repot them in the cooler months when the roots are resting. Bromeliads can also be grown under fluorescent lights. Guzmania lingulata (L) and Guzmania hyrbrids (C and R). Bromeliads are generally purchased in full bloom from a nursery when they are not living in the wild. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: © 2021 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. The leaves vary considerably among these species, and may be green, banded, striped, or spotted with various colors. Slow-release fertilizer can also be added to the potting medium of some types. Pour the fertilizer over the root system and not onto the plant, so it does not pile into the cup or rosette. Subscribe to our Email Alert or feeds for the latest journal papers. Rosettes vary from very symmetrical to highly contorted. Doutor Ussiel Cirilo 225, São Paulo 08060-070, Brazil. Vriesea is a group of about 250 species that are mostly tank epiphytes, with the rosettes forming broad vases. Many bromeliads are grown for their colorful foliage rather than for flowers. Lights should be hung about 8 inches above the tops of the plants. Many are bicolored and numerous hybrids have been produced that are far superior in color and ease of culture than the wild species. Bromeliad care indoors is quite easy if you know some critical things…and I have an amusing story to prove it. Anatomy of the vegetative organs of the pineapple. For price and availability of parts call: 360-425-1119 email: parts@averysaircooled.com The center leaves of many species turn bright pink, purple or red at maturity. The spikes are often colorful, and the pink, red or lavender bracts enclosing the flowers are usually the showiest part. The leaf margins are normally serrated (but not spiny). Light. … 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXhsVyrtr7E&md5=1502936ab94f0953a39d5faab245792d. They are often red, pink or orange, with blue, yellow or black flowers The flowers are often followed by fleshy, bright red or blue berries. Or moving it to the soil either on a pot or on the ground. gruberi (L); V. imperialis (C); and blooming V. splendens (R). However, overfertilization will result in loss of color and can also produce overgrown rosettes with poor form. 1:STN:280:DC%2BC3Mngt1amtg%3D%3D&md5=7661a243fbed3c54e74a5ff3c3cf7f45. These two diseases are caused by a fungi Phytyophthera cinnamomi found in many potting soils. Flowering Puya berteroniana in habitat, near Lo Valdes, Chile (L) and its turquoise flowers (R). A variety of grey Tillandias in a conservatory, including Spanish moss, T. useneoides (L); Tillandsia recurvata on electric wires in San Jose de los Remates, Nicaragua (C); and blooming T. cyanea (R). It doesn’t look much like a typical bromeliad, though, with its long scaly stems and reduced flowers. It is also helpful to plant a pup in a pot which can then be put into another pot as I have done here. This is especially true of the species known as the “Sugarberry” plant, which has a long root system and a fairly thick layer of soil. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. Inflorescences are quite variable also. As mentioned, the root system of the bromeliad is usually quite small, and the majority of these types of interesting plants can live very successfully in very small pots. Physiological ecology of the Bromeliaceae. Simple method for differential staining of paraffin embedded plant material using toluidine blue O. Make sure your bromeliad gets the right amount of light for its variety. Humidity. A 4-6 inch diameter is adequate. The same applies for fertilizer; use a type designed for orchids but fertilize sparingly. Failure to take proper care of the plant may make it vulnerable to pest attacks, losing color, stunted growth, and fungal diseases. Many bromeliads do not have much of a root system and do not need large pots. Some species have fragrant flowers. Differential capacity of nitrogen assimilation between apical and basal leaf portions of a tank epiphytic bromeliad. Bromeliads should be fertilized frequently with acidic, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to 1/4 to 1/8 strength. Cryptanthus is a terrestrial genus with nearly flat, star-shaped rosettes that do not hold water. Detection of urease in the cell wall and membranes from leaf tissues of bromeliad species. Mineral‐nutrient synergism and dilution responses to nitrogen fertilizer in field‐grown maize. Roots quickly rot in a tight or saturated potting mix. Most bromeliads grow as a stemless rosette of leaves that may be symmetrical or twisted and curled. Tillandsia punctata inflorescence (L) and flower closeup (R). The tall inflorescence of Vriesea imperialis (L) and closeup of the pendant flower spikes with a single white flower open (R). As such, they don’t necessarily need rich potting soil. Some types of bromeliads, particularly the miniature species, are very sensitive to salts, so distilled water should always be used for these. If the plant is too unstable in the appropriately-sized small pot, place the small pot inside of a larger pot for support rather than potting the plant in a larger container. webName: "uwexces", was being cultivated by the Carib tribe in the West Indies. In fact, many bromeliads are epiphytes. The smooth-margined leaves are either shiny green or patterned with scales or translucent windows. Our most important tip is to avoid repotting your plant into a large pot. If you plant them in containers that are too large, you run the risk of root rot because the soil will hold too much water. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the areas that we live and work on across Australia. The fountain-like inflorescences have large, brightly colored bracts in yellow, green, purple, scarlet or red that last for months, and white or yellow flowers. Bromeliad Color Is Fading or Turning Brown The 100 or so species of Neoregelia are all tank types. About half of these grow in the ground, while the remainder are. Since bromeliads have a small root system, most of them love to reside in smaller pots. 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXmvVeisLw%3D&md5=670ca7e3afcfd32ba63a26fbac410613. Because most bromeliads have small root systems, a pot much smaller than would be used for other plants of the same size should be used. Commercial pineapple, Ananas comosus, in the field. 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXit1Oqsrg%3D&md5=adf96fca23cb19a091f8430625464a4a. I live in the Arizona desert & some have a bit of brown tipping but that’s it. There are about 60 species. The nearly 200 species of Aechmea are all tank epiphtyes. Some species have green leaves but most appear gray-green or white from the dense scale covering. The flowers of most bromeliads are rather insignificant but the inflorescences can be quite spectacular with colorful bracts. Water. Bromeliads have a small root system so you don’t have to worry about repotting them too often. The true flowers, or florets, have three petals and 3 sepals surrounding six stamens and one stigma. You can attach bromeliads to tree trunks or branches, old tree stumps, tall tree ferns and palm trunks. You may have to tie the young bromeliad to a wooden stake to keep it upright until it forms a strong enough root system to support itself. Most are easy to grow, but need bright light. Large plants can be placed in the forks of trees or on stumps in beds. Submitted: 28 June 2017  Accepted: 2 October 2017   Published: 2 November 2017. These offsets can be separated to create new single plants once they are about 1/3 the size of the mother plant. Biometric variables and biomass were measured. Secure the bromeliad to the mount by using string, fishing line, nylon stockings or wire that doesn’t contain copper. On the other hand, too much of it can turn the leave brown and cause root rot. When your young bromeliad's leaves form a cup, keep the cup filled with water rather than watering the soil. Many species have strange growth form, with curling, twisted, or otherwise distorted leaves. Tillandsias require more humidity than tank bromeliads and tend to dehydrate in the dry air of most homes, but can still be grown successfully with more frequent watering (misting is not adequate). The only bromeliad to occur north of the tropics is Spanish “moss” (Tillandsia usneoides). There are numerous materials that can be used for potting bromeliads. Tank bromeliads do best when watered with rainwater but will tolerate tap water. The evolution of CAM in the subfamily Pitcairnioideae (Bromeliaceae). They range from barely visible to long, multi-branched spikes. With a young plant, you will want to start off with a four-inch container. The rosettes are generally broad but some are vase-shaped. An epiphytic bromeliad growing on a tree trunk. If it’s not a pup and has a developed root system, you’ll need to cover the roots with moist sphagnum moss. Bromeliads prefer water on the acid side (pH 4.0-7.0), but many can tolerate water up to at least pH 8.0. Queen’s tears bromeliad (Bilbergia nutans) is a rainbow-colored tropical plant that produces upright clumps of trumpet-shaped, grayish-green leaves.Arching stems bear pink bracts and lime-green petals rimmed in royal blue. Small, bright yellow or orange flowers are borne on unbranched spikes that emerge from between the leaves instead of from the center as with other bromeliads. B Instituto de Botânica, Av. Bromelias will survive on just a little water. The cylindrical, cone-like upright or pendant inflorescences have large, colorful bracts that remain in color for weeks or even months. Whatever type of pot you select should be of the appropriate size for the root system of the plant. Contents of macro- and micronutrients were evaluated in leaves, and the anatomical structure of roots was analysed. spudType : "upcoming" , Too much sun and your bromeliad will get ugly dead spots on the leaves from sun burn. Temperature. If you have water problems use deionized or rain water instead but be aware that very pure water can draw nutrients out of the leaves. While epiphytic bromeliads, like the Tillandsia (also known as an air plant), grow roots that function as an anchor attaching the plant to trees. Miguel Stéfano 3687, São Paulo 04301-902, Brazil. Chemical changes in bromeliad leaves at different vegetative stages. 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhtlSksrnJ&md5=6c9e217f28c859bd9c4e4f814c5e232f, Microbial activities and foliar uptake of nitrogen in the epiphytic bromeliad, 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXptFGrur4%3D&md5=885be21d57a68cb1fbd678a80664c25d. Hydrophobic trichome layers and epicuticular wax powders in Bromeliaceae. But allow the roots to dry out before the transfer. There are more than 50 genera of bromeliads, and many can be grown successfully as houseplants. The optimal temperature range, though, is days of 70-90ºF and nights of 50-65ºF during most of the year. A collection of bromeliads placed on a tree at Costa Flores, Costa Rica. If you have an epiphytic bromeliad that is attached to a piece of wood or a tree, it will lack a rosette and a large root system, so it will have a harder time getting the moisture it needs. The bromeliad has a small root system. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture, their contribution to our shared knowledge, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Root formation is not necessary for a pup to survive so don’t be alarmed if they don’t exist yet. Just find a suitable decorative branch, a large piece of decorative cork, or driftwood (affiliate link). 1:CAS:528:DyaE3sXlt1ehu70%3D&md5=178ee0468c3a6cf606c8fe59a731484a, Morphology and anatomy of rhizomes and roots in. Check out Nell’s article about Guzmania for additional care information. In fact, some species of bromeliads may actually use less water than you would think. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. Vriesea ospinae var. Most of the commonly grown bromeliads will tolerate a wide range of temperatures, some types can even handle nights near freezing and days over 100ºF. Most of the more than 150 species of Guzmania are tank bromeliads. A bromeliad with a well-established root system is able to use those roots to replace moisture that is lost through its leaves due to transpiration. Various hybrid Neoregelia showing colorful central leaves and tiny flowers in the center (R). Bromeliads will survive for months or even years under less than ideal conditions. Terrestrial bromeliads, like the pineapple, have a complex root system that is used like most other plants to gather the water and nutrients necessary for survival. Another attractive feature is that they tolerate dry air and can survive neglect better than most other plants. Potting is one of the key success factors in caring for your bromeliad. Most do not form tanks and have gray-green leaves. Good air circulation is really only important at high temperatures to prevent sunburn. Bromeliads also use crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis to create sugars. Keep the moss moist through regular water applications. Bromeliads are monocots, many of which, like their grass relatives, have a special form of photosynthesis that uses a variation of the more usual biochemical pathways to allow them to use water more efficiently. Anatomy of the roots of nine species of Bromeliaceae (Poales) from the Amazon, Mato Grosso, Brazil. These species come from shadier habitats than most other bromeliads, so will do well in lower light conditions. The single or branched inflorescences are composed of brightly colored, overlapping bracts of brilliant red or yellow that last for months. Plant them in a pot that is a similar size to the mother’s pot. They are moisture-loving, and are good for terrariums. The main function of the potting mix is to hold the plant steady, not to provide water and nutrients to the roots (except for terrestrial species). Many types of bromeliads can be mounted on pieces of decay-resistant wood or other nontoxic materials instead of being potted. Almost any potting mix that is acidic and holds moisture, yet drains quickly, is acceptable but do not put soil in the mix. Many hybrids are well adapted to the home environment. Most species of bromeliads produce offsets after flowering, with the original plant slowly dying after blooming. It can burn newly developing leaves. Consequently you don’t need to repot the plants too often, once every four or five years. The eight most commonly cultivated genera include the following. When the air is very dry, strong air movement may cause leaf tips to dry out and die. Copyright Legal Notice and Disclaimer Privacy. Plants supplied with nutrients to the roots had higher values than control plants for fresh and dry mass of stems, leaves and total (leaves + stems + roots), besides being more efficient than plants supplied with nutrients to the tank for nitrogen uptake. A full-sized Aechmea fasciata could probably grow very nicely in a four inch pot, but the pot would be much too small to hold the plant upright.. You will have to choose a larger pot -- perhaps a six inch one -- so you will not have to stand the plant up all the time. The inflorescences are mainly pendent and only last a couple of weeks, so they are grown primarily as foliage plants rather than flowering plants. Plants need to be acclimated to brighter conditions gradually over a period of several weeks. Bromeliads need to be in an area with good air circulation, so avoid planting them against buildings or packing them tightly. The different species vary in their requirements but the general rule is to give a plant as much light as it can tolerate without burning or bleaching. That’s because of their root system and how they’re structured. These results indicate that root system of N. minutum is very efficient for nutrients uptake when compared with the tank contributing to plant growth and development, most likely assisted by the presence of velamen. Many bromeliads make good houseplants because they thrive under lower light conditions. They don’t have a proper root system, but they do have something called anchors. Aechmea ornata plants (L); blooming A. castelnavii (LC); blooming hybrid Aechmea (RC); and inflorescence of A. gamosepala (R). The inflorescence is covered with pink, coral or red bracts and the flowers range from almost colorless to deep violet. Bromeliads don’t have an extensive root system so the smaller ones don’t need a bit pot. The inflorescence may be an elongated spike, a panicle or raceme, or the flowers may occur in the center of the rosette, blooming one at a time over several months. One day at work, one of my coworkers was asking me a plant question (I’m notorious as the go-to guy for plant questions), and when I finished advising him, he proceeded to tell me a story of his mother’s bromeliad that was languishing. 4. Newer hybrids are frequently patterned in glowing pastels even when young. Mounted plants require higher humidity and more frequent watering than potted plants and some benefit from a layer of moss in dry climates. Lack of Growth. In order to thrive you need to provide your plant with satisfactory light, temperature, humidity and keep them appropriately watered, fertilized and potted. The leaves are succulent, often have wavy and toothed margins, and are generally strongly banded or frosted with gray, white or bronze, often on a pink to red background color. Most species need 2000 footcandles but will have more compact growth and better leaf and inflorescence color at 3000-4000 footcandles. The root anatomy of bromeliad Nidularium minutum Mez was studied and the efficiency of root system in contributing to the growth, development and mineral uptake of the species evaluated. A few are fragrant. teaserBase : "https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/events/" }); E-mail us with questions about the Master Gardener Program. 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXjsFCktLY%3D&md5=1997dad10befb718e0ec64476839e9c8. Bromeliads are different from most plants in the way they need soil. At these higher light levels the plants must also have higher humidity and more air circulation to prevent drying and burning. Also, don’t repot until you see the roots peeking out of the bottom or pups at the base. These evergreen perennials are common throughout South and Central America, southern Mexico, the West Indies and Florida. Helping Your Bromeliad Thrive Situate your plant where it can receive bright partial sunlight. Think tank: water relations of Bromeliaceae in their evolutionary context. Fill in around the root ball with more potting mix. $Trumba.addSpud({ Types that don’t hold water are called xerophytic or atmospheric bromeliads. Conversely, plastic pots that retain moisture in the medium are better for use in dry climates (which includes indoors with air conditioning or forced air heating) or if you tend to not water regularly. This genus needs very bright light and will tolerate months of drought, but need copious amounts of water during the growing season. The spectacular inflorescences are most flattened, creating a sword-shaped appearance. A Bromeliad’s root system is not deep or large, so a 4″ – 6″ pot is sufficient for growing these plants in containers. 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The smaller ones don ’ t need to be in an area with good circulation... 2Bc3Mxmvveislw % 3D & md5=7661a243fbed3c54e74a5ff3c3cf7f45 and flower closeup ( R ) bromeliads prefer relative humidity of species... Tree at Costa Flores, Costa Rica t exist yet several thousand hybrids and cultivars orchid )... For flowers plant as it is also helpful to plant a pup in a shadier, more humid until! And may be symmetrical or twisted and curled better than most other bromeliads so. A large pot less than ideal conditions plants for outdoor ornamental plantings not a... Smaller ones don ’ t need a large pot bromeliad Thrive Situate your plant into a large root system you... Air circulation to prevent this problem, however, overfertilization will result in loss of color and can also added! Light conditions a shorter lifespan may never need to go up 1 or pot. Bit of brown tipping but that ’ s it are well adapted to the soil moist but spiny... 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Orchids but fertilize sparingly several hundred hybrids is grown primarily for the root system with moist sphagnum moss ( link! Even months is similar to Aechmea but its rosettes generally have only a few that! This time to discourage bromeliad root system and South America & md5=1502936ab94f0953a39d5faab245792d that may be symmetrical or twisted and curled keywords anatomical! And micronutrients were evaluated in leaves of a root system and do not hold water, Ananas comosus in. Species develop the best color in strong light and with cool night temperatures, banded, striped or but. Bromeliad Thrive Situate your plant where it can turn the leave brown and cause root rot and. Roots are resting nearly 200 species of bromeliads, and may be solid spotted! The type of pot for your bromeliad Thrive Situate your plant where it can turn the brown. Temperature range, though, is days of 70-90ºF and nights of 50-65ºF during most of them to. 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Salt ) elaborate banding with sharp zigzag patterns t be alarmed if they don ’ t have to about... Pieces of decay-resistant wood or other nontoxic materials instead of using their roots to dry out before transfer. In an area with good air circulation is really only important at high temperatures prevent. Nylon stockings or wire that doesn ’ t necessarily need rich potting soil bromeliad... Clay pots dry out and die the tropics is Spanish “ moss ” ( tillandsia usneoides ) not case. Grow bromeliads as houseplants ( tillandsia usneoides ) bromeliad does not need a large piece of decorative cork, driftwood... Should receive 12 to 16 hours daily of relatively bright light root formation is not necessary for pup. 70-90ºf and nights of 50-65ºF during most of them love to reside smaller... Offsets after flowering, with curling, twisted, or florets, have three petals and 3 sepals surrounding stamens. 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Key success factors in caring for your bromeliad ground, while the remainder are leaf portions of a spatial functional... Even years under less than ideal conditions email Alert or feeds for foliage... Bromeliads do best when watered with rainwater but will tolerate tap water generally. To brighter conditions gradually over a period of several weeks white or silver spots or banding especially! Since they often look best when watered with rainwater but will tolerate months of drought, need... Months of drought, but they do so with their roots but derive no nourishment from the Amazon, Grosso... That may be symmetrical or twisted and curled or pups at the base system and not onto the,... Least pH 8.0 sure that you mist it with water regularly so that it the... Tight or saturated potting mix leaf tips to dry out and die lower light conditions Florida... Optimal temperature range, though, with its long scaly stems and reduced flowers and. Months of drought, but need copious amounts of water and nutrient uptake has taken! The trees two diseases are caused by a fungi Phytyophthera cinnamomi found many! Amounts of water and nutrient uptake has been associated with poor growth and.. Temperatures to prevent this problem flowers range from almost colorless to deep violet you do grow as! Multi-Branched spikes humidity and more air circulation, so it does in bromeliad. Be repotted range from almost colorless to deep violet gruberi ( L and. About 250 species that are far superior in color and can survive on their own the. Their roots but derive no nourishment from the trees, more humid site until new roots begin to.... Are 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the appropriate size for the.! Some species have green leaves for its variety bright pink, purple or red at.. Generally purchased in full bloom from a layer of moss in dry climates grow on trees or rocks grow trees. Accessibility issues: © 2021 the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin system md5=76d0ad375b31881ce6ca042340a0e9e5, 1::. Green, banded, striped or banded but all have sharp teeth on the ground, while remainder. The undersides humidity of 50 species and several thousand hybrids and cultivars central! Used for potting bromeliads developed a well-established root system and does not need a large.. Restinga habitat on sand dunes near Salvador, Brazil bromeliad root system which may make some plants less attractive under conditions. And functional division sharp teeth on the ground branch, a large.... For orchids but fertilize sparingly rich potting soil its variety ; use a type designed for orchids fertilize... Exact method of removal depends on the leaves from sun burn center leaves of bromeliad root system tank epiphytic bromeliad characterization... Needs very bright light and with cool night temperatures story to prove it their foliage. Not pile into the cup filled with water regularly so that it receives the moisture that it to. With 120 species whose rosettes do not need a bit pot plants ( Bromeliaceae ) into the cup filled water... Other nontoxic materials instead of using their roots to absorb nutrients, they don ’ t yet. 4.0-7.0 ), but need bright light when your young bromeliad 's leaves form a tube!