Bromeliad Cultural Notes
prepared by the Hunter District Bromeliad Society

Bromeliads are native to South and Central America, where they are found in environments ranging from hot dry deserts to warm dark rainforests to cool exposed mountainsides. Depending upon the species, they grow on trees (epiphytic), on rocks (saxicolous) and in the ground (terrestrial) in their native habitat but adapt exceptionally well to pot culture.

Lifecycle
Bromeliads take two to three years to grow to maturity, they flower once, and then gradually die. But during this decline the parent plant produces several offshoots (called pups) which in turn become mature plants. Bromeliads can be left as a clump or the pups can be separated when they are about half the size of the parent plant.

Pots
Bromeliads have a small root system and need only a small pot. A 125 mm. or 140 mm. pot will hold even a large bromeliad comfortably. Terrestrial bromeliads will require a larger pot to allow for the larger root system.

Potting Mix
Use a coarse open potting mix which allows water to drain away quickly. Commercial "orchid" mixes are suitable. Grey-leaved Tillandsias should be grown attached to a piece of wood.

Light
Put your bromeliad in a brightly lit area but protect them from the harshest direct sunlight. 50% shade will suit most bromeliads. Ferneries are often too dark to maintain good compact growth and colourful leaves.

Water
Give them a good drenching regularly in warm months. Keep them a bit dryer in winter.

Fertilizer
Use half to quarter-strength doses of soluble fertiliser occasionally in spring and summer. Bromeliads absorb water and nutrients through their leaves so spray the whole plant with the very weak solution. Or, you can add tiny amounts of slow release fertilizer to the potting mix.

Air
Put your bromeliad in a position that has good air circulation. Good air circulation and fresh air will promote healthy growth. Bromeliads are not really 'indoor' plants even though some of the shade-loving ones will tolerate life indoors.

Temperature
Bromeliads like temperatures in the 20's, tolerate temperatures in the 'teens and will survive single figure temperatures. Protect them from frost.

Humidity
Bromeliads are tropical or subtropical plants so they like high humidity.

Pests
Bromeliads are generally pest free but you may get some scale or meally bug. Use proprietary insecticides according to the instructions. Malathon, Folimat, and Disyston seem to be effective. Don't use White Oil or Copper-based chemicals because these can kill bromeliads.

Diseases
Bromeliads are generally disease free. However, if you keep them too wet and too cold for too long you may induce crown rot which will eventually kill the plant.