Bromeliads are a diverse group of plants that come in many shapes and sizes. They are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, and their bright colors and interesting shapes make them popular houseplants.
However, one common question people have about this plant is what kind of light they need. Bromeliads need bright, indirect sunlight.
Some species of bromeliad can tolerate direct sun, but most of them cause sunburn if you put them in direct sunlight.
You can grow bromeliads under fluorescent lights if you live in a climate that doesn’t get much natural sunlight.
In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to care for your bromeliad and what kind of light it needs.
How Much Light Does a Bromeliad Need?
This is a question that does not have a universal answer, as the light requirements of bromeliads can vary depending on the specific species.
But, there are some general guidelines that can be followed in order to ensure that your bromeliad is getting the right amount of light.
Bromeliads and Sunlight
In general, bromeliads prefer bright, indirect light. This means that they should be placed in an area where they will receive plenty of light, but not direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight can be too harsh for these plants and can cause them to become sunburned.
If you are not sure whether an area is too sunny or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a spot with less direct sunlight. While bromeliads do prefer bright light, they can also tolerate lower light levels.
If you are unsure about the light levels in your home, it is best to start with a spot that receives bright indirect light and then move the plant to a lower light area if it does not seem to be doing well.
Bromeliads and Temperature
It is also important to remember that bromeliads are tropical plants, and as such, they prefer warm temperatures.
If the temperature in your home dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to move the plant to a warmer spot.
In summary, Bromeliad plants do best when they receive 6 hours of bright indirect light each day. However, they are relatively tolerant of lower light levels and can adjust to different temperature ranges.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your bromeliad is getting the right amount of light.
What Happens If a Bromeliad Doesn’t Get Enough Light?
Bromeliads are tropical plants that need a lot of light to thrive. If a bromeliad doesn’t get enough light, it will start to show a few problems, including –
Leggy
A bromeliad will get leggy if it doesn’t receive enough light. This implies that the plant will elongate and thin out, developing wide voids between the leaves.
Additionally, the leaves will be smaller than usual.
Droopy
The leaves of a bromeliad will droop if they don’t receive enough light. This is due to the plant’s inability to create adequate energy, which causes the leaves to sag.
Pale
If a bromeliad doesn’t get enough light, the leaves will become pale. This is because the plant is not able to produce enough chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis.
Turning a Deep Green
The leaves of a bromeliad may become a dark green color if it is not given enough light. This is due to the plant’s attempt to increase chlorophyll production in order to make up for the lack of light.
Does Tillandsia Need the Same Kind of Light as Bromeliads?
Tillandsia sunlight requirements are similar to those of bromeliads. Both plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They prefer a spot near a window or in a well-lit room. However, direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves. Providing the right amount of natural light is crucial for the healthy growth of tillandsia and bromeliads.
What Are Some Ways to Provide the Right Amount of Light for a Bromeliad?
Tropical plants called bromeliad come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. They are known for their vibrant colors and their ability to thrive in low-light conditions.
While they can tolerate low light, they will produce more vibrant flowers if they are given lighter.
Here are some tips for providing the right amount of light for a bromeliad –
- Place your bromeliad near a window that gets direct sunlight for at least part of the day.
- You can also place your bromeliad under artificial lighting if you are unable to supply direct sunshine. The ideal sort of artificial lighting is fluorescent lights.
- Be sure to rotate your bromeliad every week or so to ensure that all sides of the plant are getting an equal amount of light.
- If your bromeliad is not getting enough light, you may notice that the leaves start to turn yellow or brown. If this happens, simply move the plant to a brighter location.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your bromeliad gets the right amount of light and produces vibrant flowers.
Final Say
In conclusion, a bromeliad needs bright, filtered light to grow and thrive. If a bromeliad doesn’t receive enough light, it will become etiolated and may eventually die.
There are several ways to provide the right amount of light for a bromeliad, including placing it near a window or using grow lights.
Resources:
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bromeliads/
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bromeliads/
- https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP337
