The experts at the German Bromeliad Society advocate fertilizing bromeliads less and more often. You can find out here how this rule of thumb is specifically implemented over the course of the year. Use our tips on concentration, intervals and administration of bromeliad fertilizer.
How should you properly fertilize bromeliads?
Bromeliads require appropriate fertilization: funnel bromeliads receive 75-100% fertilizer concentration, tied bromeliads 25-50%. Fertilize every 2 weeks from April to June, weekly from July to September, do not fertilize from October to March or only every 4 to 6 weeks. Add fertilizer to the lime-free irrigation water and pay attention to the temperature.
Dosing bromeliad fertilizer correctly – this is how it works
Bromeliads extract vital carbon from the air in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). What tropical houseplants also need in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium is provided by a liquid fertilizer. Although special bromeliad fertilizers are offered commercially, commercial flower fertilizer also contains all the important components. The dosage depends on the type of bromeliad, as the following overview shows:
- Funnel bromeliads, such as Guzmania, Vriesea or Aechmea: 75 to 100 percent concentration
- Tied bromeliads, such as Tillandsia or Dykia: 25 to 50 percent concentration
Please adjust the dosage to the individual growth behavior of your bromeliad. If in doubt, reduce your concentration. An undersupply of fertilizer is quickly compensated for, while an overdose can hardly be remedied and significantly affects vitality and flowering.
Tips on fertilizer intervals and application
Although bromeliads do not actually go into hibernation, they still slow down during the cold and low-light period. Therefore, coordinate the fertilization phases with the course of the vegetation. This is how it works:
- April to June: Fertilize every 2 weeks
- July to September: Fertilize weekly
- October to March: Do not fertilize or fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks
- Add fertilizer to lime-free irrigation water
- Pour potted bromeliads into the funnel
- Spraying untied bromeliads
- Administer fertilizer in the evening in summer
- In winter, ideally fertilize in the morning or midday hours
Deciduous bromeliads, such as pitcairnias, do not receive any fertilizer in winter. The vast majority of evergreen species are content with a little liquid fertilizer once a month, but if in doubt they can also forego the nutrient supply. It is important to note that fertilizers and water have a temperature of at least 15 degrees Celsius. A bromeliad fertilizer achieves its optimum at 21 degrees Celsius, while it loses effectiveness at 25 degrees Celsius.
Tip
Soil bromeliads are not fertilized for 4 to 6 weeks after repotting. Bromeliad soil always contains a supply of nutrients. If fertilizer is also administered in this phase, an overdose is inevitable.
