Can Bromeliads Be Grown Outdoors?

Temperature Requirements

• Plant bromeliads outdoors in frost-free climates. These plants tolerate outdoor temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees F. Pick a protected spot in the garden if you live in an area that drops near freezing in winter. If unseasonably cold weather threatens, wrap the plants in plastic for protection. Work carefully to avoid damaging the delicate leaves. If heavy frost threatens, the only way to save the plants is to dig them up and bring them indoors.

Planting Bromeliads Outdoors

• When planting bromeliads outdoors, pick a spot that gets partial shade, unless the species you are growing specifically requires a full-sun location. Growing requirements vary but, in general, these plants enjoy shady areas. Plant bromeliads in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. Heavy clay and consistently wet soil can cause root rot. Mix clay soil with leaf mold, peat moss, sawdust or a similar organic amendment material to improve drainage before planting.

Landscape Bromeliads in Containers

• If you want to create the effect of bromeliads growing naturally in the landscape but live in an area that gets some winter frost, use containers sunk in the ground. Pot bromeliads in nursery pot, with good-quality potting soil. Use plastic containers that have holes in the bottom for drainage. Ceramic pots work, too, but can get heavy and hard to move around. Dig a hole and bury the pot in spring. In fall, or when frosty weather threatens, simply dig up the whole pot and bring it indoors for the winter.

Container-Grown Bromeliads

• Bromeliads grow well in containers and make visually interesting plants for shady patio areas and around outdoor living spaces. Keep the plants outdoors during the frost-free months and then overwinter them indoors. Water container-grown bromeliads when the top of the soil dries out. Allow the water to drain through the pot. Use a pot with holes in the bottom and add a 1- to 2-inch layer of coarse gravel to the bottom of the pot before adding potting soil. Fertilize landscape and container-grown bromeliads every other month using a 20-20-20 fertilizer.