Q. I’m having a problem with my potted bromeliads. I water weekly, fertilize every 3-4 months and they get afternoon sun. The problem is that have not bloomed since last year.

C.W., Davie

Different species of bromeliads bloom at different times. So it’s important to know which species you are growing to determine when it should be flowering. Also, many bromeliads cannot tolerate or do poorly when getting direct sunlight. By knowing which bromeliad you have, you can research what light levels best suit its needs. Keep in mind that most bromeliads we grow in South Florida are species that in nature grow on the branches of shade trees and therefore are adapted for shady conditions. They also don’t require a lot of water.

So, your plants may be overwatered and getting too much sun. As long as there is water in the cups of the bromeliads and the soil is occasionally watered during the dry season, your plants should do well. Also, bromeliads don’t need to be fertilized much as they absorb nutrients through their leaves. If you need to fertilize, use a liquid one applied to the cup of each plant once a twice a year.

Each bromeliad plant blooms only once. The “daughter” plants that are produced will bloom the following year.

Adrian Hunsberger is an entomologist/horticulturist with the UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension office. Write to Plant Clinic, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead, FL 33030; e-mail aghu@ifas.ufl.edu.

Adrian Hunsberger is an entomologist/horticulturist with the UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension office. Write to Plant Clinic, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead, FL 33030; e-mail aghu@ifas.ufl.edu