Caring For Bromeliads - Part Four - Water
In this article you’ll find helpful information on the general water requirements for a bromeliad plant.
Water
Most bromeliads gather water in their tanks, or reservoirs, and only a little moisture from natural rainfall penetrate the leaves to reach the roots. Keep this in mind when watering bromeliads. Many bromeliads are sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water, so they prefer rainfall or distilled water. Slow growth or browning of leaf tips can be due to hard water.
When watering bromeliads, spray a little water on the leaves, replenish the water in the reservoir, and dampen the soil only when it becomes very dry. A few species need more moisture in their soil, but as with other houseplants, over-watering greatly increases the risk of root rot, especially in winter when temperatures may be cooler. It is also good maintenance to dump out any water left in the reservoir after 10 days or so before refilling it with a fresh supply. Place slightly less water in the reservoir when the plants produce a flowering spike. Excessive water left sitting in the cup can cause the base of a flower spike to rot.
April 12, 2007
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« Caring For Bromeliads - Part One - Light
Caring For Bromeliads - Part Five - Soil »
Saeng posted on February 3, 2008:
hi, i was wondering if using dechlorinated water is ok for plants? (by dechlorinated water, i mean the tap water that i treat with a dechlorinator such as the ones for fish…but not the dechlorinator type that “promotes” gill slime coating) Thanks!