How to grow and care for bromeliads

Top 5 bromeliad care tips

1. Choose a bromeliad suited to your climate and light conditions—some prefer bright spots, while others thrive in shade.
2. Depending on the species, grow bromeliads without soil or plant them in shallow, well-draining soil.
3. Water mainly through their central "well" or whorl of leaves, as this is where they absorb most moisture.
4. Grow bromeliads as indoor plants or place them outside in pots in summer. Some may even survive outside all year in areas with very mild winters.
5. For potting, use a 50/50 mix of orchid and multipurpose composts for the best results.

Shopping list

• A bromeliad suited to your space
• Free-draining soil or potting mix (use a multipurpose and orchid mix for pots)
• Fertiliser for houseplants or general-purpose use
• A pot with drainage holes or unsealed terracotta planter
• Insect spray for pest control

Bromeliad plant types

With such a wide range of bromeliads available, it’s easy to find one that suits your garden or home. Some of the most popular and easy-to-grow species include:

• Aechmea spp. (Urn Plants): Recognised by the urn-like well at their centres and their spear-shaped flowers, these bromeliads are both decorative and low-maintenance.
• Alcantarea imperialis (Imperial Bromeliad): A large, striking variety with leaves that can reach up to 1.5 metres in length. Its flower spikes grow up to 2.5 metres tall, making it a stunning focal point.
• Billbergia nutans (Queen’s Tears): Known for its unusual hanging flowers in pink, green, and blue hues.
• Guzmania lingulata (Vase Plant): A beginner-friendly bromeliad that’s easy to grow and highly ornamental.
• Tillandsia spp. (Air Plants): These bromeliads don’t need soil to grow and can be mounted on boards, placed on shelves, or wired onto screens.
• Vriesea splendens (Flaming Sword): Features horizontal stripes on its leaves and a unique flat red flower spike.
• Wallisia cyanea (Pink Quill): A cool-tolerant species ideal for the UK. It produces violet-blue flowers and a vivid pink flower spike.

Always check plant labels to ensure the species matches your specific climate and growing conditions.

Growing bromeliads outdoors

Bromeliads are tender plants and can’t cope with frost, so they won’t survive winters outdoors in most parts of the UK. However, they can be grown outside in pots in the summer and moved indoors in winter. A few varieties such as Billbergia nutans (Queen’s tears plant) and Fascicularia bicolor (crimson bromeliad) may even survive outside all year round in sheltered gardens in areas with very mild winters.

If you want to try growing bromeliads outdoors, choose a spot with filtered sunlight or partial shade and very free-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or prone to waterlogging, plant bromeliads on raised mounds, in pots, or in rockeries for better drainage.

Dig a hole the same depth as the nursery pot and slightly wider. After removing the bromeliad from its pot, plant it so that it is at the same level in the ground as it was in its pot – it’s essential not to plant it too deep. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly, ensuring the central well is also filled with water.

Fertilise sparingly in spring using a slow-release granular fertiliser. Do not over-feed as this can harm or even kill your bromeliad.