The bromeliad is an exotic tropical plant distinguished by its colourful leaves and impressive inflorescence. The flower, also known as the ‘inflorescence’, can retain its colour for months. After flowering, the parent plant slowly withers, but produces small offshoots, known as ‘pups’, which you can separate and repot individually.

Light Bromeliads thrive in a bright spot with indirect light. Avoid direct, intense afternoon sun, as this can scorch the leaves. A lack of light causes the leaves to fade.

Watering A distinctive feature of bromeliads is that they absorb water through the funnel-shaped structure at the centre of the plant. Fill this funnel regularly with a little water and change the water every two weeks to prevent bacterial growth. The potting mix should remain slightly moist, but must never dry out completely.

Temperature Bromeliads thrive best at a room temperature of between 18 and 25 degrees. It is not frost-hardy and does not like cold draughts.

Care Remove wilted leaves regularly to keep it looking neat. When the parent plant dies after flowering, the offshoots can be carefully cut off and repotted separately. With a little patience, they will grow into fully-fledged new plants.