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  1. Home
  2. Garden

How to grow bromeliads

Add some colour and dramatic foliage to your weary winter garden. - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 19 Aug 2020

Bromeliads have fascinated gardeners and plant lovers since their introduction to the gardening world.

WATCH: Bromeliad pole 

Bromeliads are hardy, provide year-round interest with their mottled, striped and patterned foliage, and have long-lasting blooms available in flaming reds, bubblegum pinks and sunshine yellows. Find out how to grow and care for bromeliads. Luckily, broms (as they're affectionately known) are easy to grow and require minimal attention.

Pink bromeliad
Getty

How to grow bromeliads

Where is the best place to plant bromeliads?

In Australia, bromeliads can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Bromeliads will thrive outdoors in most frost-free areas across the country. If you do happen to live in a cooler area that is prone to frost, you may find greater success with bromeliads that are planted in pots that can be easily transported inside on cold days.

How to water bromeliads

The majority of bromeliads have their own ‘water tank’ – the cup or vase shape formed where their rosette of leaves comes together. So, when watering the plant, ensure the cup is filled but don’t allow the water to sit for months on end – it should be periodically flushed and replaced with fresh water. Keep the soil moist, but never wet. 

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Getty

Do bromeliads need sun or shade?

The name ‘bromeliad’ covers quite a group of different genera and their light needs vary accordingly. Certain varieties can withstand full tropical sun while others will scorch. As a general rule, they flourish in dappled shade or filtered sunlight, but check plant labels to ensure you give your broms the best possible growing conditions.

How to fertilise bromeliads

In spring, sprinkle a slow-release fertiliser around the base of your bromeliads – this gives them a boost of nutrients during the growing period and improves their condition, so they’re able to cope with the heat in summer.

Bromeliad pink
Getty

The best soil for bromeliads

Bromeliads are epiphytic, meaning they grow on another plant for support, so are often found growing in trees, on stumps or on other supports. But they will also happily grow in the garden or in pots, as long as you use well-drained or free-draining soil that’s enriched with organic matter. To grow bromeliads in pots, use a free-draining mix such as orchid potting mix. If you wish to grow them in trees or on stumps, place a ball of sphagnum moss around the roots and tie them down with fishing line or jute.

Giant bromeliads

If you’re looking for a brom with wow factor, look out for the Alcantarea. Depending on the species, these beauties can reach up to 2m high and wide. They’re also quite adaptable and can be found growing in shade to full sun. However, they develop their best colour and shape in full sun with afternoon shade.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to repot bromeliads

How to repot bromeliads

How to grow alcantarea

How to grow alcantarea

How to hang bromeliads in a tree

How to hang bromeliads in a tree

Bromeliad varieties

Bromeliad varieties

{headline}

{headline}

Build your own simple side gate

Build your own simple side gate

Build A Super Supreme Backyard Pizza Oven

Build A Super Supreme Backyard Pizza Oven

How to install a water feature

How to install a water feature

{headline}

{headline}

Graham visits Hillandale gardens

Graham visits Hillandale gardens

Charlie updates a shady corner of his garden

Charlie updates a shady corner of his garden

Crazy paving ideas to inspire a garden makeover

Crazy paving ideas to inspire a garden makeover

Get crafty with your garden pots

Get crafty with your garden pots

How to build a gabion rock retaining wall for your garden

How to build a gabion rock retaining wall for your garden

How to make a privacy screen

How to make a privacy screen

How to look after your bonsai

How to look after your bonsai

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