Velvet Bromeliad

Velvet bromeliads are best watered by filling their “tank” or well with small amounts of water once or twice a week, depending on their size and the level of drier air surrounding them. During hot or dry periods they can be lightly moistened with a spray bottle, although care must be taken not to over-water. The rule of thumb is to make sure the soil never completely dries out, while at the same time, to avoid allowing the plants to sit in water for extended periods.

Velvet bromeliads thrive in partial or filtered shade enhanced by bright, indirect sunlight. If the plant is placed in too much light, the leaves may turn reddish bronze and become scorch-marked. Too little light, however, may cause the leaves to fades and turn brown, so finding the right balance is key to keeping them looking vibrant and colorful.

Velvet bromeliads prefer a temperature of 65-85 °F (18-30 °C). While they can tolerate mild days and nights as warm as 90 °F (32 °C), they do best when kept at a slightly cooler temperature. Avoid really cold drafts, as temperatures below 60 °F (15.5 °C) can cause irreparable damage.

Velvet bromeliads prefer high humidity levels ranging from 60-80%. To increase humidity levels, mist the plants daily with lukewarm water for best results, or place the pots on trays packed with pebbles.

Velvet bromeliads need a loose and well-drained soil mix that contains a blend of peat moss, coco coir, vermiculite, and perlite. This mixture should help keep the soil aerated and will retain adequate water levels. In addition, adding a layer of bark chips or mulch at the top of the pot can help keep the soil and roots damp.

During the active growth season, from spring until the end of summer, fertilize your Velvet bromeliad once a month with a liquid, water-soluble fertilizer at half the recommended rate. In the winter, when the growth of the plant slows down, replace fertilization with a light misting of an organic liquid fertilizer monthly. Make sure to use one specifically formulated for houseplants to avoid damaging the sensitive roots of a Velvet bromeliad.

Velvet bromeliads are susceptible to certain insect pests like aphids, mealy bugs, scales, spider mites and thrips. If you notice any of these, you can use a mixture of small amounts of liquid dish soap, water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray the entire plant and undersides of the leaves daily for two weeks. If the infestation persists, take the plant to a professional immediately.

Generally, Velvet bromeliads can survive for up to 3 years in the same pot. When it's time to repot, use a loose and well-drained potting mix. Watering should then be reduced for about a month to allow the plant to adjust to its new environment. After adjusting, slowly introduce water in regular amounts.

Velvet bromeliads require no regular pruning, but you may want to remove dead and dying leaves by cutting them off at their base to improve the plant's appearance. Before pruning, sterilize your gardening tools with rubbing alcohol and always wear gloves to protect your skin. Afterwards, be sure to discard the clippings in the trash.

When mulching, try to use a layer of organic mulch such as bark chips or wood chips. Having this layer on the surface of the pot can help keep the soil and roots damp, reduce moisture loss, and help keep weeds from taking over the soil around the Velvet bromeliad.

When propagating Velvet bromeliads, the most important thing to do is to find a propagation medium that will help keep the newly planted offsets damp but not overly saturated with water. This can be done with a good mix of equal parts organic soil, compost, and peat moss, with added perlite for increased drainage. After planting the offset in the medium, mist it daily to keep the soil from drying out.

Velvet bromeliads need no extra support in most cases, although if they become too top-heavy, you may want to consider minimizing their exposure to sunlight and provide external support.

Even though Velvet bromeliads can stay healthy for several years without one, it’s beneficial for them to have a rest period in the winter. This is usually the same time of the year that they get their color and pattern boosts, so trying to time this according to specific months is a good idea. During this period, the lights can be dimmed and the watering reduced slightly.

Velvet bromeliads are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you can feel at ease about having a pet around this attractive houseplant.