The text states to fertilize with half strength liquid fertilizer but does not say where. In the cup or in the soil? I bought a very small bromeliad that came with a double wall small pot, which apparently gets filled with water within the walls and the plant absorbs the water as it needs it. Is it so? My local Brooklyn Botanical Garden gave me your web site and I am delighted with it.
Thank you so much for visiting Gardening Know How!
I agree, it's a valuable source of information, and we are all gardeners!
I am a fan of bromeliads, they are a wonderful plant.
Fertilize the plant with half strength liquid fertilizer once a month, this should be watered into the soil. A small amount of water should be in the "cup", and I like to dump it and add fresh every week. The double pot acts as an humidifier for your plant. You also can place the pot on a tray of pebbles with water.
Here is a great link that has more information for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm
Where to put water and when? Does the pot dry out before watering? Do you empty tank? How much water in tank? Please help. Not understanding.
Watering bromeliads should be done when the top two inches of the soil is dry - you can touch the soil with your finger to determine soil dryness.
The center of a bromeliad is called a tank, which is where it holds its water.
Here is a diagram of a bromeliad tank which might aid your understanding on how a bromeliad stores its water:
http://www.musekautas.lt/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Tank-Bromeliad-Article-Images-2.jpg
You should fill the tank in the center (with rainwater or distilled water preferably). Here is a short You Tube video so you can get a good visual on where exactly you should water your bromeliad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYtJsC6Xea0
How much water? The video above demonstrates this nicely but basically you will be fine so long as water doesn't run down the sides into the soil when you are filling the tank.
You will also need to change the water frequently, about once a week. Let the excess water drain in a drain pan or plate, and let the plant dry out before you decide to water it again.
For more information about watering bromeliad pants, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/watering-bromeliads.htm
Information for plant food on Bromeliad plants. They have developed white spots on the leaves.
If you plant needs a fertilizer you could use a light feeding of an all purpose fertilizer.
The white spots may be Mealybug.
You could treat the plant with Neem Oil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm
I would like to where can order these house plants or send a catalog. Thank you! Mr. Booker Thomas 5418 Michigan Saint Louis MO 63111
We do not sell plants but rather give great information about plants and gardening.
Do a Google search for the plants that you are interested in growing.
Ebay is also a good source for plants. Make sure you verify the sellers feedback to make sure they are a reputable seller.
Here are some great articles that have care information about the plants you are interested in.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/watering-bromeliads.htm
My plant is a gift, I have had it about 6 months. It is about 2 1/2 ft. tall and has always had a gorgeous red top of about 12 inches. In the last couple of weeks, the top 4-6 inches is turning a lighter colour (slightly beige). Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? I keep it in a south facing window, which has a curtain 1/2 way up so it does not get direct sun. I water it as told by the florist. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
Your plant may be starting to enter the last of it's growing cycle.
These plants are generally won't grow more than a year indoors. With luck your plant will grow pups that you can propagate into new plants.
Here are a few links for you to refresh you on the care and life cycle of Bromelaid plants.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/watering-bromeliads.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/getting-bromeliads-to-bloom.htm
After removing my bromeliad from the bag, do I water it while waiting for the flower? I have an adult bromeliad taken from mum several years ago..now approx twice the original plant's size. But still no flower. What's the trick to encourage it to flower?
Here are some articles that will help you with care and flowering information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/getting-bromeliads-to-bloom.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/watering-bromeliads.htm
Why are the leaves going brown? We have put the plant in filtered light indoors.
This is likely due to watering issues.
The plant should be watered when the soil is dry. Rain water is ideal for this plant but you can also use distilled water. If you use tap water, make sure it sits out for 48 hours before using is help from salts building up in the soil.
Here are some links to help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/watering-bromeliads.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bromeliad/growing-bromeliad-plants.htm