Does anyone know how to grow bromeliads?

Answer 1

Bromeliads are one of the best kept secrets in the plant world. They are diverse, fascinating, and relatively easy to grow. They have been hybridized extensively and many new striking plants have resulted with both bloom and foliage that offer more color than any other plant I am aware of. Because bromeliads are "different" looking than traditional plants and most people consider them exotic, therefore perceived as hard to grow, bromeliads have not caught on among plant enthusiasts nearly as much as they deserve to. Newly discovered or hybridized plants often sell to collectors for big bucks, but in a matter of years become affordable to most people as they are reproduced asexually by dividing "pups" from the developed plants. Most plant nurseries don't offer bromeliads in wide varieties so the really nice and choice plants most likely will need to be purchased from specialty growers. Bromeliads in their native habitats (unique to the Americas) grow in such diverse places as 8,000 ft elevations to sea level, rain forests to deserts, and even as far north as the Virginia coast. Some are true "air plants" while others are terrestrial . Most are epiphytic deriving their nutrients from their cupped shape. Studying the various genera and their cultural requirements can help anyone successfully grow these plants. The purpose of this page is to introduce you to the wonderful world of bromeliads and try to let you know what you are missing if they are not part of your plant collection.
For epiphytic (non-terrestrial) varieties, we grow bromeliads in small pine bark as a soil base. This provides excellent aeration and circulation for the roots that form, and provides sufficient support for the plant. For terrestrials, use a loose and light organic soil mixture. For small epiphytic tillandsias, mounting them on driftwood or cork is an excellent and healthy way to display them.
Location is everything! Since different bromeliads prefer different levels of light, they will let you know how to please them. If the foliage becomes bleached or burned, reduce the light. If the plant isn't producing the color you know it should have, increase the light. Finding the right level of light makes all the difference in bringing out the colorful qualities of these plants. Good air circulation is a common and vital need to all genera of bromeliads.
Bromeliads should not be fertilized regularly unless you are trying to increase pup production. There are some exceptions. Tillandsias and Cryptanthus respond well to regular fertilization. Fertilization will reduce the coloration in most bromeliad hybrids that are noted for their color., e.g. Neoregelias and Billbergias. When fertilizing, use a liquid soluble 20/20/20 fertilizer at half the recommended strength
After the plant flowers, it will produce "pups" or young plants then die. The young pups will take over the next generation. Pups should not be removed until visible root structures can be seen at their base or they are at least 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the mother plant. Make sure the pups are cut off with a solid base. Some bromeliads reproduce so abundantly, you'll be sharing them with friends. Dead flower stalks can be cut off if unattractive until the mother plant dies.
These are lovely plants so I wish you all the best in growing them.

Answer 2

Read up on these official resources from the Bromeliad Society. They should have everything you need to know, including where to purchase them.

Answer 3

Agree with previous answer-- they are great plants-- little care and fun blooms.
good luck