How to Raise Bromeliads

Grow the bromeliad in a decorative pot filled with lightweight, porous potting soil. Drill two to three evenly spaced drainage holes through the base of the pot if it lacks these. Plant the bromeliad at the same height as its nursery container.

Set the potted bromeliad in a warm spot with plenty of indirect or filtered light. If required, hang a lightweight curtain over the window it is placed near, to protect it from direct sunlight that causes foliage discoloration. Maintain consistent temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Provide the bromeliad relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent. Mist the foliage of the potted plant daily or place a humidifier near it. Alternatively, set the potted plant on a tray with pebbles and water. Position the pot’s base slightly above the water to prevent root rot.

Water the bromeliad plant once a week, or whenever the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, until it is evenly moist, not soggy. Ensure the cups of tank-forming bromeliads remain filled with water at all times. However, change the water in the cup regularly to prevent chances of disease-spreading organisms or diseases that occur in stale water.

Fertilize bromeliad with a general-purpose fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants every two to three months. Dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended strength before feeding the tropical plant. However, douse the potted plant with water before fertilizer application to leech out accumulated fertilizer salts.

Sever spent stalks or blooms from the bromeliad whenever necessary using a sharp, sterilized knife. Collect and discard fallen leaves, petals or plant debris from around the base of the pot to maintain its appearance and prevent pests such as aphids, spider mites and mealy bugs from overwintering.

Separate the side shoots, also called pups, from the parent bromeliad plant when they grow one-third their size. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut the pup as close to the parent bromeliad, after it finishes flowering. Plant each pup separately in a shallow container with quality potting mix. The pups typically develop roots in five to six months, emerging into independent plants.