To thrive, I require bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight I would receive under the canopy of taller trees in my native Brazilian rainforest. A spot near an east or west-facing window is perfect, where I can bask in the gentle morning or afternoon sun. Direct, harsh midday sunlight will scorch and burn my beautiful silvery-green leaves, leaving unsightly brown spots. If you only have a south-facing window, please place me a few feet away or use a sheer curtain to filter the light. While I am adaptable, too little light will cause my growth to stall and may prevent me from producing my spectacular pink flower spike.
My watering needs are unique. As a bromeliad, I collect water through my central cup, or "urn," formed by the rosette of my leaves. This is how I drink in my natural habitat. Please keep this central vase about one-quarter full of fresh water at all times. Every few weeks, empty out the old water to prevent stagnation and refill it with new, preferably distilled, rainwater, or filtered water. I am sensitive to the chemicals and minerals found in tap water, which can cause leaf tip burn. Additionally, you should water my soil, but only when the top few inches feel dry to the touch. My roots are prone to rot, so my potting medium must never be soggy or waterlogged.
I am a tropical plant, so I prefer consistently warm temperatures and humid air. A comfortable room temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C) is ideal. Please protect me from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), as I find this very stressful. While I can tolerate average household humidity, I will truly flourish with extra moisture in the air. You can increase humidity by placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting in the water) or by grouping me with other plants. A occasional light misting around my leaves is also appreciated.
I am not a heavy feeder, and my roots are primarily for anchorage rather than nutrient absorption. I require a very well-draining, acidic potting mix specifically formulated for bromeliads or orchids. A standard potting soil will hold too much moisture and cause my roots to suffocate and decay. When it comes to fertilizer, less is more. During my active growing season (spring and summer), you can feed me a month with a diluted, balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. The key is to apply this fertilizer directly into my central cup, not to the soil. Do not feed me at all during the fall and winter.
It is important for you to know that I am monocarpic, meaning I will flower once in my lifetime. After my magnificent pink bloom fades, which can last for months, the main plant will gradually begin to die back. Do not be saddened, as this is a natural part of my cycle. Before I depart, I will produce offshoots, called "pups," at my base. Once these pups are about one-third the size of the mother plant, you can carefully remove them with a sharp, sterile knife and pot them individually. They will grow into new, vibrant plants that will eventually flower, continuing my legacy in your home.
