If you live in a cold climate, you may be wondering if you can bring your bromeliad inside during the winter. The answer is Yes! They are tropical plants that need warm temperatures and lots of moisture to thrive.
During the winter months, temperatures in most parts of the country are too cold for bromeliads. However, there are a few things you can do to help your plant survive the winter indoors.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to care for a bromeliad during the winter and what you need to do to prepare it for the colder months.
What Need to Do Before You Bring Your Plants Indoors?
The days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are starting to drop, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to start thinking about bringing your plants indoors for the winter.
But before you start packing them up, there are a few things you need to do to prepare them for the transition. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you bring your plants indoors –
Inspect Roots
The most important thing you can do for your plants before bringing them indoors for the winter is to examine their roots. Gently remove the plant from its pot and check to see if the roots are healthy and white.
If the roots are brown or black, that’s a sign that the plant is not getting enough water.
But, if the roots are mushy, that’s a sign that the plant is getting too much water.
Prune Dead or Dying Leaves
Next, take a look at the leaves of your plant. Are any of them brown or yellow?
If so, you’ll want to prune them off. Pruning not only helps the plant to look its best, but it also helps to encourage new growth.
Wash Off Garden Dirt
Once you’ve examined the roots and leaves of your plant, it’s time to give it a good wash.
Use a gentle stream of water to remove any dirt or debris from the leaves and stems. You can also use a soft brush to help remove any stubborn dirt.
Check for Insects
Before bringing your plant indoors, it’s essential to check for insects. Look for any small bugs or eggs on the leaves and stems.
If you find any, you’ll want to remove them before bringing the plant inside.
Choose the Right Location
When it comes to choosing a location for your indoor plants, there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll want to make sure that the location you choose gets plenty of light.
Indoor plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day. You’ll want to make sure that the location you choose is not too hot or too cold.
The ideal temperature for most indoor plants is between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. With winter just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about bringing your plants indoors.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your plants stay healthy and happy all winter long.
What Are the Care Instructions for Bromeliads Brought Inside During Winter?
In order to bring some color into your home throughout the winter, bromeliads make excellent houseplants.
However, there are a few considerations to make while moving bromeliads indoors for the winter to maintain the health and happiness of your plants.
Sufficient Light
Bright, indirect light is essential for the growth of bromeliads. They will be quite delighted if you can give them a position close to a south or west-facing window.
They shouldn’t be placed in direct sunlight because that will burn the foliage.
Water
Bromeliads are a type of plant that stores water in their leaves. As a result, they do not need to be watered as often as other houseplants.
In general, you should water your bromeliad once a week, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Fertilizer
Because bromeliads are not heavy feeders, fertilizing them is not necessary frequently.
However, once a month, the application of a half-strength fertilizer should be adequate.
Temperature and Humidity
Warm, humid climates are preferred for bromeliads. If the air in your house is particularly dry, you might want to put your plant on a pebble tray or water it frequently to increase the humidity.
Pruning
Only one time (flower)bloom will occur on a bromeliad during its lifetime. They will create offsets, or “Pups,” after they bloom.
These can be taken out of the plant and placed in new pots on their own. To get rid of any dead or dying leaves, they can also be trimmed.
Pests
Bromeliads are relatively pest-free, but mealybugs and scale can occasionally be a problem. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die.
If you see any pests on your plants, treat them immediately with an appropriate pesticide.
Diseases
The most common disease that affects bromeliads is root rot, which is caused by too much water. Symptoms include yellow leaves, wilting, and eventually death.
To prevent root rot, make sure the pot has good drainage and that you only water the plant when the soil is completely dry.
If you do notice signs of root rot, you can try to save the plant by removing it from the pot and replanting it in a fresh, dry potting mix.
How to Water Indoor Bromeliads During Winter?
Bromeliad plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions, so they thrive in warm, humid environments. If you live in a frozen climate, you may need to be more careful about watering your bromeliad plants. Here are a few tips on how to water indoor bromeliads during winter:
Check the Soil Before Watering
Bromeliads are susceptible to root rot, so it’s important to ensure the soil is dry before watering them. The best way to check the soil is to stick your finger in it up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water the plant. If the soil is still moist, wait a few days and check again.
Use Room-Temperature Water
Cold water can shock the roots of your bromeliad, so be sure to use water that is the same temperature as the air.
Let the Water Drain Out
After watering, be sure to let the water drain out of the pot. Bromeliads don’t like to sit in water.
Don’t Overwater
It’s important not to overwater your bromeliad. If the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, that’s a sign that you are watering them too much.
Water from the Bottom
One way to water your bromeliad without wetting the leaves is to place the pot in a sink or bowl of water and let the plant soak up the water from the bottom.
Use a Humidifier
If the air is dry, consider using a humidifier to help keep the leaves of your bromeliad from drying out.
Mist the Leaves
Another way to increase the humidity around your bromeliad is to mist the leaves with water.
Group Plants Together
Bromeliads like to be around other plants, so grouping them together can help increase the humidity.
Place the Pot on a Tray of Pebbles
Filling a tray with pebbles and water and placing the pot on top of the pebbles can help increase the humidity around the plant.
Why Should You Bring Bromeliads Indoor During Winter?
Frozen climate and cold drafts can damage your bromeliads, so it’s best to bring them indoors during the winter. Bromeliads are tropical plants, so they enjoy warm and humid conditions. If you live in an area with harsh winters, your bromeliads will be much happier if you bring them indoors until spring arrives.
Let’s see the benefits of bringing bromeliads inside during winter.
Color and Interest
Bromeliads come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. They can also have variegated leaves, which means they have leaves with multiple colors. The flowers of this plant can last for several weeks, and the plant itself can last for years.
Low Maintenance
The maintenance of bromeliads is not too difficult. When the soil is dry, it should be irrigated because they love bright, indirect light.
Then, they can be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, and when they outgrow their current container, they can be moved into a bigger one.
Purifies the Air
It is well known that bromeliads may filter the air. They take in airborne toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. They also generate oxygen, which can enhance the quality of the air indoors.
Bringing bromeliads inside during winter can add color and interest to a room, and they are relatively low maintenance. They also purify the air, which can improve indoor air quality.
Can I Bring a Tillandsia Inside During Winter?
Wondering about bringing a tillandsia on an airplane? While it’s possible, when it comes to winter, a better question is whether or not you can bring it indoors. Tillandsias are sensitive to cold temperatures so bringing them inside during winter is advisable. Just ensure they receive enough light and minimal watering for a thriving indoor tropical plant experience.
What Are Some Common Problems Associated with Bringing Bromeliads Inside During Winter?
Tropical plants like bromeliads are not normally winter-hardy, so bringing them indoors during the cooler months may cause them some issues. Here are some of the most common problems include –
Dormancy
Most bromeliads enter a period of dormancy during the winter months. This means that they will stop growing and may even lose some of their leaves. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. However, it is essential to ensure that your plant is getting enough light and water during this time.
Pests Problem
Bromeliads can be susceptible to pests, such as mealybugs and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and roots of the plant. It is important to check your plant regularly for signs of pests and to treat the plant if necessary.
Cold Damage
As tropical plants, bromeliads cannot withstand freezing temperatures. As a result, if the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may experience cold damage. The leaves may perish and turn brown as a result of this.
Drying Out
Bromeliads can dry out quickly, especially during the winter months when the air is dry. Make sure to water your bromeliad regularly and mist the leaves with water to help keep the plant moist.
Final Say
In conclusion, if you’re thinking about bringing your bromeliad indoors for the winter, there are a few things you’ll need to do to make sure it thrives.
Acclimate your plant gradually to indoor conditions by placing it in a shady spot outdoors for a week or two before bringing it inside.
Once it’s inside, water it regularly and keep an eye out for common problems like spider mites and mealybugs. With a little care, your bromeliad can enjoy a long and healthy life indoors.
Resources:
- https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/botanical-gardens/documents/cold-sensitive-bromeliads.pdf
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bromeliads/
- https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2144
