Bromeliads are beautiful , showy plant that are often intimidating to young growers — but the verity is , they ’re not all that difficult to care for . Their blooms come in an array of color , but the leaf is just as stunning . look on the smorgasbord , the leaves can be anywhere from red to purple to green with bands , spots , or stripes . Because of their root system and the alone nature of their watering , though , repotting is a bit more nuanced than many of your other plants . ( And if you are n’t concerned in territory mess , there are atmosphere plants that arepart of the bromeliad familyso you could still enjoy those fabulous color ! )
Should I transplant my bromeliad?
Yes , but only when it ’s necessary . Bromeliads have belittled stem systems that do n’t necessitate too much blank space to grow , so they wo n’t need to be repot as often as fast - growing industrial plant like pothos vines . If you ’re ever concerned about whether it ’s meter to repot your bromeliad or not , you’re able to wait for signs like roots growing from the bottom of the container .
If you bought a young bromeliad from a nursery as oppose to a fledged one and it does n’t bloom during the season afterbeing cared for diligently , then that ’s also a sign that it needs to be run to a large container . Mature bromeliads , on the other hired man , often descend in the size hatful they ’ll need to be in for the balance of their days . If you want to repot it to a container of your choosing , make certain that it ’s the same size as the one it come in and no bad .
When should a bromeliad be repotted?
Repotting is well done in the springiness after the uprise time of year set about but before the bromeliad has a chance to flower . This will be the clip when it has the most energy and can better withstand the tension of being moved from one mint to another , without disrupt the blooming physical process or risking any unneeded damage .
How to repot a bromeliad
To repot a bromeliad , you want to have a few thing on hand before you begin : protective gloves , wise potting dirt , a new container , wooden stakes , and fix shears in case there are any damaged roots or leaves that need to be removed . Shears also come in handy if you ’re contrive to murder any puppy for division before putting the parent plant in its new nursing home .
When you ’ve got everything ready , perform these actions to repot your bromeliad :
Keep in mind that if your bromeliad has bloomed and is grow puppy , the parent plant will start to die out in the next few months due to its natural hertz . If you have whelp that are big enough to remove , it ’s best to do so to ensure that you ’ll be able to enjoy future bromeliads without postulate to buy more from the baby’s room ( unless you want to ) .
Can I use potting soil for bromeliads?
Yes and no . You do n’t require to utilise received indoor potting grease ; however , you’re able to still look for a specific commixture . Because bromeliads can ride out fairly wet , they want a soil that ’s tight - draining but still reserve wet well . You want the surplus to be capable to escape quickly , which is why pots with drain pickle are especially of import for bromeliads . Most gardeners will pot their bromeliads using an orchidaceous plant mix due to the similar need of both flora , but if you want to make your own , you’re able to apply two - thirds peat - based soil and one - third sand .
Do bromeliads like small pots?
Yes ! Unlike some plants , bromeliads do n’t have big root systems . They prefer to be kept in smaller pots , which is where they ’re more likely to thrive . A untried bromeliad will do well in a four - inch weed and should n’t be repotted until it starts to outgrow the container ( look for signs like root growing out of the drainage hole or up above the soil ) .
Once the works matures , you ’ll find that it does n’t need a potty much prominent than six inches — so it is n’t a plant that will cursorily outgrow or overtake your space . Potting it in a much turgid container can often lead to overwatering because there ’s too much water in the soil for the roots to absorb .
Things to be cautious of when repotting
Because bromeliads have a small root organization , you desire to ensure you do n’t found them too late in the filth when you ’re repotting ; however , you also do n’t want them to be too shallow . If it ’s too far in the grime , the summit is more prone to rotting and the works wo n’t survive well . Make certain you pot just to the alkali of the leaves , and if the roots are n’t big enough yet to hold the plant up , sense liberal to utilise wooden wager to help it ride out unsloped !
If done successfully , you ’ll be able-bodied to savor your bromeliad for as long as it lives . They are n’t high maintenance plants and their rude cycle of producing puppy follow blooms will get you extend keep them around until you settle you ’ve had enough ( as if that could ever happen ) .
