Growing bromeliads indoors can be a great way to have unique, tropical decorations. In order to care for them well you must have a good understanding of how they grow and their needs as tropical plants. Knowing what to use as growing media for your bromeliads is an important step to caring for healthy plants.

Before we discuss what to use as growing media for bromeliads, there are a few things you must understand about the anatomy of bromeliads and how they collect water and nutrients to grow.

Types of Bromeliads

There are three types of bromeliads, epiphytic, saxicolous, and terrestrial. You are probably most familiar with terrestrial plants. It means exactly what it sounds like; it lives in the ground. Its roots are anchored in the soil and provide stability and some nutrients and water.  Epiphytic comes from greek roots epi meaning upon and phyton which means plant. Epiphytes grow on other plants, usually woody plants. They do not live parasitically, but use the plant as an anchor and gather water and nutrients from the air with small hairs called trichomes. Saxicolous bromeliads grow on rocks, using them as anchors, and gather water and nutrients in the same manner as epiphytes. Many bromeliads can live either as epiphytes or terrestrials. Most bromeliads also collect water in “tanks.” Leaves fuse together to make a rosette shape, water can be poured into these cups and is taken up by the plant. You should rinse these tanks occasionally, as they can be come salinated.

Mounting Epiphytes

Ephiphyte Bromeliad

Epiphytes can be mounted on various structures and add an interesting element to a plant collection. There are different methods for mounting epiphytes, but most involve untreated wood. You can use cork bark or tree fern slabs. Cedar, juniper, oak, mesquite and rosewood are good woods to use that are rot resistant. Stumps also make fun, unique mounts. Make sure that any wood you use is not treated and salt free. Any wood that has been treated with copper will kill the bromeliad. Any surface that is rough and porous, with no chemical will work as a mount.  If you want your mount to hang, be sure to add a hook.

Once you have found a mount you can choose your plant. Many plants in the genres Tillandsia, Billbergia, and Aechmeas are epiphytes that will mount nicely.  It may be easiest to mount pups because their root system has not matured yet. You can use plants that have already formed a root ball in the soil, but you will need to cover the soft roots with sphagnum moss. The moss must be wet down regularly in order for the soft roots to take up nutrients.

One way to attach the bromeliad to the mount is to tie it with fishing line or strips of nylon stockings. The plant must not have any room to wiggle or the roots will break off.

Another way to fix the bromeliad to the mount is with nontoxic glues, such as “Liquid Nails.” Hot glue can be used, but take care to let it cool a few seconds before you attach the plant so that it is not damaged.  Most glues will break down over time especially in the presence of water.  Glues with the ingredients Toluene, VM, and Pnaptha, such as “Shoe Goo” and “Plumbers Goop” are totally waterproof and will not break down over time. Use just a small amount to attach the plant and do not cover the base, or root growth may be inhibited.

The last way to mount cannot be used for all bromeliads, but many produce a long woody stolon. Many Aechmeas produce this feature. This woody stolon can be stapled or nailed to the mount. Be sure to use two nails or staples so that the plant does not turn.

Humidity

Keep in mind that mounted bromeliads need much more water and higher humidity than terrestrial bromeliads. If the air is very dry, roots may have difficulty attaching and foliage will suffer. One way to keep air moist in dry indoor climates, especially during cold months, is to place trays of pebbles or decorative rocks, filled with water, underneath or near the mounts. The water will evaporate into the air and make the environment around the bromeliads slightly more humid.  It is still important to keep a careful eye on mounted bromeliads and water them regularly. You can also mist the plants with a spray bottle occasionally.

Terrestrial Bromeliads

Potted bromeliads also require some special considerations. When you are choosing your growing media be aware that bromeliads cannot grow in regular soil, they must have a mix formulated specifically for potting.  These mixes can vary greatly base on preference and it may take some trial and error to find the mix that is perfect for the bromeliads you want to grow. In general the potting mix must be acidic. It must also be coarse so that water is drained away from the roots. Bromeliads like to be damp but not soggy. If the roots stay too wet for too long they will rot. The potting mix must provide aeration as well, as bromeliads roots do not respond well if they are tightly packed.  You can purchase a mix that is already formulated for bromeliads, and some orchid potting soils work as well. Or, you can make your own potting mixture. Ingredients you can use include humus, orchid bark, coarse perlite, pumice, sphagnum moss and tree fern fibers.

Bromeliad Flower (Genus Tillandsia)

Do not layer your media for drainage, for example putting gravel on the bottom of the pot, this requires that the first layer become saturated before the water will move and you do not want the potting media around the roots to become saturated. A coarse potting mixture will provide plenty of movement and drainage without layering.

Containers

When choosing a container, consider your location and watering habits. If you typically over water or you are keeping your bromeliad in a humid environment, you may want to use a clay pot. This will allow the soil to dry out faster and prevent the roots from becoming too soggy. If you are in a dry climate, or are keeping your plants indoors where there is a lot of air flow such as heat or air conditioning you may want to use plastic or ceramic containers. These containers will keep the roots moist and prevent drying.

The size of a bromeliad is also not an indication of how large your pot should be. Roots for bromeliads are relatively small and should be kept in a small pot. Large pots will stay wet and cause problems for the root systems. Four to Six inches is a large enough container for most bromeliad species. If the bromeliad becomes too large to be stable in such a small container, fill a larger pot, that will support the plant, and then place the small pot inside. This will keep your top-heavy bromeliad stable.

Points to Remember

There are several things to keep in mind as you establish your bromeliads,

• If you are mounting epiphytes, use rot resistant wood that has not been treated.
• Take care to make sure the plants are fastened securely whether with nylon, glue or nails through stolons.
• Take care to make sure your mounted plant is staying moist enough.
• If you are potting a bromeliad, use coarse potting mix that is acidic.
• Plant your bromeliad in a 4-6 inch pot. If your plant is too large, place the small pot within a larger container for stability.

Growing bromeliads can be fun and easy. Your plants will get the healthiest start if they are established in the proper growing media and environment.

Sources

“Bromeliad Basic Culture” Collecting Bromeliads and Orchids in Florida. http://www.jacksbromeliads.com/basicculture.htm

“Bromeliaceae” Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromeliad

“Mounting Bromeliads” Bromeliad Society Internationl, Odean Head,

http://www.bsi.org/brom_info/growing/mounting.html