Blushing Bromeliad Plant Care Guide
What is the Blushing Bromeliad?
The Blushing Bromeliad, or Neoregelia carolinae, is a fascinating plant that originated in the rainforests of Brazil. This alluring perennial is best known for its tendency to blush before blooming. The base of the leaves at center of this plant actually turn a striking, pinkish red color just before it flowers. Interestingly enough, the flowers are small and far less exciting than the show that occurs before their arrival.
In its natural habitat the Blushing Bromeliad is considered an epiphyte. This means that its small roots attach it onto trees or other plants in the rainforest. But this little plant is not harmful or parasitic, but rather lives in peace with its fellow plant brothers and sisters. Given its ornamental appeal the Blushing Bromeliad is now grown as an indoor plant throughout the world. Being a hardy plant, it is moderately easy to take care of. All it needs is some tender loving care to maintain the ideal environment and you will be sure to have a happy houseplant.
Light Care
Let the sun shine! This is an indoor plant that loves to hangout near a window, doorway or skylight that lets in plenty of natural light. This is especially important for Bromeliad flowers. Unlike many houseplants, the Blushing Bromeliad can tolerate direct light exposure. This plant is perfect for those spots in your home or workplace that get lots of light during the majority of the day. It will most likely do well even in those areas where other indoor plants have started to get a little sunburned. If given the proper amount of sunlight along with just enough water, the Blushing Bromeliad will grow wide and up to 18 inches tall!
Water Care
The Blushing Bromeliad prefers to be watered about once a week ideally. In order to keep track of the plant’s watering schedule, it's always a good idea to keep a plant journal that contains a log for each of your beloved houseplants. By keeping a plant journal you will always know when your Blushing Bromeliad was last hydrated and be able to make adjustments accordingly.
The technique for watering the Blushing Bromeliad is a little different compared to other indoor plants, because you don’t actually want to water the soil directly. In nature, the long leaves of the Neoregelia carolinae collect rain water and funnel it into a vase at the plant’s center. When watering your Blushing Bromeliad at home simply pour water directly into the cup in the middle of the plant!
Food Guide
As an epiphyte, the roots of the Blushing Bromeliad are not made so much for absorbing nutrients as they are for anchoring to trees or other plants. When it comes to potting soil for this plant a mix that drains well is ideal. A mixture of equal parts each of bark, peat and perlite is a good place to start.
In the wild the Neoregelia carolinae collects nutrients from debri falling from the trees and other plants above. Bromeliads don’t usually require additional plant food in the form of fertilization. Keep in mind that if you do decide to give your houseplant a little extra boost with plant food, it's best to spray diluted fertilizer directly onto the leaves rather than pour it into the soil.
Staff Holy Grail Tip:
Bromeliad care is fairly simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. After your Blushing Bromeliad has done its thing of blushing and then blooming, you may notice that your plant starts to slowly turn brown. Don’t freak out, this isn’t the end! After the Blushing Bromeliad flowers, it will actually begin to die off and make way for multiple pups or offsets.
Baby Bromeliads can easily be propagated, meaning that your houseplant collection can grow exponentially. Just allow enough time for these offsets to develop roots and grow to about 6 inches before removing them. Simply grab hold of the pup at the base with one hand and pull it away from the mother plant. These new Blushing Bromeliads can then be potted and your heart will be feeling the houseplant love for years to come.
