What Are the Best Soils for Bromeliads?

Types of Bromeliads

• There are two kinds of bromeliads: terrestrial and epiphytic. Terrestrial bromeliads root in soil, but epiphytic bromelaids are often seen attached to trees in rain forests. Epiphytic bromeliads are the most common variety kept as houseplants -- they can be grown in pots containing a well-draining medium or even on pieces of wood.

Bromeliad Soils

• Bromeliads require a well drained, very loose growing medium. Terrestrial or epiphytic types can be grown using a bromeliad mix. Recommended mixes include peat moss, tree bark and other additives. A common bromeliad soil mix uses two parts peat moss, one part perlite and one part fir bark. Another can be made using one part peat moss and one part pine bark.

Pots for Bromeliads

• Whether growing a terrestrial bromeliad or a epiphytic variety in a pot, it's important to have the right kind of pot. Bromeliads of all kinds have very shallow roots and don't require very large pots. Even larger varieties can flower in pots as small as 5 inches. Clay and plastic pots with good drainage are equally suitable, but larger bromeliads are less likely to tip heavier clay pots.

Bromeliads Without Soil

• Epiphytic bromeliads naturally grow without soil. A few varieties grow best when planted in bark chips or mounted to a piece of wood. Mount your bromeliad to a chunk of wood by wrapping the base of the plant in sphagnum moss and wiring the plant to the wood you've chosen. Spray the peat moss regularly with water to keep the plant from drying out and remove the wire once the bromeliad has rooted to the wood.