Forget everything you think you know about watering houseplants! When it comes to caring for your bromeliad, this exotic beauty plays by its own rules and requires a pretty unique watering technique to really thrive.
What kind of water is best for bromeliads?
Since bromeliads are native to the tropics, they love a warm, bright spot with plenty of humidity. When it comes to the water itself, they are quite picky about lime. Ideally, you should use lime-free water—rainwater is the gold standard here. Just make sure it’s at room temperature or slightly lukewarm before you head to your plants.
If you don’t have a rain barrel handy, you can use tap water that has been sitting out for a day or two. During the summer months, mix in a little liquid fertilizer about once a week. In the winter, bromeliads like to take a little “nap” (a rest period), so you can skip the fertilizer then.
How often should I water my bromeliad?
Depending on the variety, you might grow your bromeliad in a pot with special bromeliad soil or even mount it directly onto a piece of wood or a stone. If yours is mounted, you won’t “water” it in the traditional sense; instead, you’ll give it a regular, thorough misting with lukewarm water.
For potted bromeliads, the goal is to keep the soil consistently moist. Your watering schedule will depend on the season and how warm your house is—the hotter and drier the air, the more water your plant will drink. Naturally, you’ll be watering more often in the summer than in the winter.
What’s the best way to water?
Here is the secret: don’t just water the soil! While the substrate should stay damp, these “epiphytes” (air plants) actually get most of their hydration through their leaves. Their foliage grows in a rosette shape that forms a natural “cup” or tank in the center. You should always keep a little water sitting in that cup. To keep things fresh and prevent rot, just tip it out and replace it with fresh water about once a month.
Quick Summary:
- Water from above, directly into the leaf rosette.
- Refresh the water in the rosette every 4 weeks.
- If you’re using liquid fertilizer, apply that to the soil rather than the cup.
- Don’t let the roots dry out completely.
- Avoid waterlogging the soil (no “wet feet”).
- Best water: lukewarm rainwater.
- If using tap water, let it sit out first or use a filter.
Pro Tip: Even potted bromeliads love humid air, so treat them to a nice misting every now and then!
