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Tropical Bromeliad Basic Houseplant Care

Tropical Bromeliad Houseplant Care:

Also known as “Orange Star,” Tropical Bromeliad (Guzmania lingulata major) plants add zest and color to homes, gardens, patios and offices. Tropical Bromeliad plant care requires moderate attention and may be difficult for beginners. For a quick burst of color and life, add a tropical bromeliad houseplant to any room.

Tropical Bromeliad Houseplant Care: Light Requirements 

Tropical Bromeliad plants thrive in areas of bright filtered or indirect light. However, bromeliad houseplants also perform well in shaded areas with indirect exposure to light such as near a window that has a adjustable shade treatments. Tropical Bromeliad are also suitable to offices that may be shady or have only fluorescent light. However, the cool temperature of most offices tends to dry these plants more quickly causing a need for more attention to watering.

Tropical Bromeliad Houseplant Care: Water Requirements

Tropical Bromeliad (Guzmania lingulata major) prefer moderate to high humidity. The soil of bromeliad plants must remain moist but not wet which can lead to fungal and bacterial problems commonly seen in overwatered plants. Do not let the soil become too dry or completely dry between watering. When watering, allow tap water to sit uncovered for a few hours so that many of the chemicals can evaporate that may be harmful to the bromeliad plant such as lime and chlorine.

Mist Tropical Bromeliad plants daily during growth. Bromeliad plants are usually more receptive to misting in the early morning. Mist Tropical Bromeliad plants by hand with a small water bottle set to dispense a fine mist spray or some may prefer an electric room humidifier. When misting, use lime-free water which will help to prevent leaf stain and chemical burns.

During the winter, keep the soil of bromeliad plants just moist but not excessively dry or wet. There is no need to mist during the winter.

Tropical Bromeliad Houseplant Care: Fertilizer Requirements

Apply a balanced (20-20-20) fertilizer to the soil of Tropical Bromeliad (Guzmania lingulata major) plants every 2-4 weeks. Mature plants should be fertilized less often than younger plants but care should be taken not to overfertilize any houseplant as this can lead to leaf burn which is potentially lethal for the plant. Tropical Bromeliad plants should be fertilized with a water-soluble fertilizer that is free of lime to prevent leaf stain.

Standard potting mix will suffice for Tropical Bromeliad houseplants. However, many nurseries and garden supply stores carry epiphytic bromeliad potting mixes which will greatly benefit the growth of the plant. Any soil used should allow for even distribution of moisture. As with most houseplants, the soil around Tropical Bromeliad plants should have good drainage but also retain moisture well while containing essential nutrients for a healthy plant.

Tropical Bromeliad Houseplant Care: Pests & Diseases

Tropical Bromeliad plants are susceptible to few pests. However, mealybugs and fungal leaf spots may occur on some plants.

Tropical Bromeliad Houseplant Care: Propagation & Potting

Sow bromeliad seeds at 81F (27C) or remove offsets in spring. Bromeliad plants do not require frequent pruning. However, bromeliad plants should be repotted every spring to encourage new and prominent growth. If a larger pot is not necessary, it is acceptable to replace only the top soil of the plant and proceed with normal fertilization routines. As with most houseplants, discontinue fertilization routines in recently repotted plants until the bromeliad plant has fully adjusted to the new soil and pot.