Dorene, this is what I found on the web for Bromeliads: Water: This is a very important aspect of succeeding with Bromeliads - Tillandsias! Remove plants from their containers and spray HEAVILY, or rinse them under a faucet or hose until they are dripping wet (underneath as well as on top). Remember, they grow naturally where it rains! Frequency of watering (how many times per week) will depend on:
temperature variations (summer vs. winter)
whether it is indoors or outdoors
and the variety (thin or thick leaves)
Generally, with the spray or rinse method, you should water indoor Bromeliads - Tillandsias 2-3 times a week, and outdoor Bromeliad - Tillandsias 4-5 times a week. In warmer and drier conditions, an overnight soaking (12-14 hours) will rehydrate them more efficiently than spraying or rinsing. If leaf edges begin to curl in, then it is best to use the soaking method.
Never Ever water in the cup of the flower - it will rot. I worked as a horticultural tech for about 8 years. Water it from the bottom, in its saucer and it will get pleny that way by "wicking". Let dry some between watering, do not allow it to stand in water as you will encourage rot and fungus gnats.... if you do not have a leak free saucer, grab an old plate. This relative ot the pineapple plant comes in many colors, varietie and shapes.
Wow-glad I read this. I have killed many of these beautiful plants by watering "in the cup" like the instructions said. Maybe I'll give it another shot. Dorene, hope you have this plant for a long time. I do know that some will make "babies" and you can have "generations" of the same family.
Put water directly in the flower to make little pools. Also let it drink from the bottom up. This is called a Bromiliad. (SP) There are tons of varieties..
That's why I pasted the directions from the web site. I had one and watered in the top cups like some state and the flower roted off and my plant died from lack of water to the roots.
Dorene, since you live in Florida I would suggest planting the bromeliad outside. I have an entire garden of bromeliads. Perhaps if it is grown indoors there are many things you must do differently. Put it outside and let nature care for it. Keep it in a shady area and if you get no rain then water it once a week. You do have a beautiful plant.
Actually, it IS spelled BROMELIAD. IF you water from the top of the soil, you take the chance of fungus gnats laying their eggs in the soil - the eggs thrive in the wet soil and hatch and the cycle begins all over again (when I was in the business of HORTICULTURE, these peskly critters were our worst nightmare. These lovely plants will thrive outside - underwatering is BETTER than overwatering.
A few weeks ago I was at the garden center at Home Depot and they had these in every color imaginable from golden to electric purple! They were amazing.
I have one in a different species. I have it growing outside in full shade and just sun light. Different zone of course. It gets watered normally like everything else. The stock in the middle will stay there for ever. I have a double one in mine and it is flat. Can't think of the name off hand.
idnt realize you were in FL...sorry. Our growing zone here is 9a. You can water it in the center or on the side. It takes it both ways. It is a type of Bromeliad, and they last forever. Plant it in shade and enjoy!
Connie H, I know as you know that indoor and outdoor plants are very, very different. That is why I suggested she take that pretty plant outside and water it once or twice a week. It would probably prefer once a week. I do have a whole bed full of bromeliads.
My mother raised these for years. She always watered them from the top in the "cleavage" of the plant. Never had one to die or rot. She told me that the "trick" was not over watering. Oh, and thank you so much for the spelling lesson, lol
Thats why inside growing you water just moist to the touch or mist it with a spray bottle,we have them by the gads here in florida,but the small pot you show it in inside the bigger pot, its outgrown that small cup
Connie, a lot are saying plant outside. Water once a week, This time of year as you know Connie, it will rain every day.. What does everyone think? Right now the plant is on my coffee table, I put it outside for couple of hrs.. looks beautiful right now .. So let me know what you think cause tomorrow I'm leaning towards planting it outside
Dorene, here in Central Florida we are in a drought where lakes have dried up. You & I live in a sandbox so if you plant it in the sandbox with a little food it won't matter how much water falls.
I have a large bed with various types of bromeliads that made it through the winters and summers. They don't care if they are watered from the top or the bottom. I seldom water them. Maybe some types are more problematic.
Dorene Harvey...I would put it outside being that you live if FL. If you have a shaded oak tree that would be great! They thrive off of the acid. However I do not have mine under an oak tree but in the shady side of my house it does really great there. As you see each growing zone is different. I take all of my plants outside where they can flourish and spread their angel wings! Let us know how it does for you. =>
Dorene H One more thing. If you plant it in shade it should not need too much water as for the soil will stay moist anyway. We havent had but one good rain. IT it looks a little dry then water would be good in the middle or on the bottom works for this type of plant. Happy Sunday to all!!!
I agree with most of the other people that responded to you. Yes, it is a Bromeliad, and you are suppose to water it into the top center of the plant. I hope this was helpful.
Water from the top. If you don't have a flier just water the opening of the leaves. They have like little drinking cups in the collage. They mainly take care of them selfs.
Bromeliad they have roots in the soil so water the soil. You can leave water in the crown but it will cause rot if is not allowed to dry out occasionally. This type grows on the ground in FL and can survive through droughts. It has kin that are called air plants that make do with little to no soil and absorb moisture from heavy dew and rain running off the trees.
I water from the top, like the rain does, but let it dry out. Only problem is that makes a good breeding spot for mosquitoes. So I started alternating on plants in pots outside,sometimes roots, sometimes in the brachts, & poured off the excess from the leaves after a couple hours. We have serious mosquito problems here with canals everywhere.
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Bromeliad they have roots in the soil so water the soil. You can leave water in the crown but it will cause rot if is not allowed to dry out occasionally. This type grows on the ground in FL and can survive through droughts. It has kin that are called air plants that make do with little to no soil and absorb moisture from heavy dew and rain running off the trees.
I water from the top, like the rain does, but let it dry out. Only problem is that makes a good breeding spot for mosquitoes. So I started alternating on plants in pots outside,sometimes roots, sometimes in the brachts, & poured off the excess from the leaves after a couple hours. We have serious mosquito problems here with canals everywhere.
Water it from the top. In the jungle they grow on the trees and live off the moisture in the air and water as it falls through the trees.
Fill a spray bottle with fresh water ant spritz it every other day. Prevents over watering