How much light do bromeliads need?
That depends a lot on the type of bromeliad. Knowing the genus that the plant belongs to within the bromeliad family can tell you a lot about its requirements. A simple rule of thumb that works for most cases is: "Soft leaf - soft light, hard leaf - hard light." If the leaves of your plant are soft and flexible and especially if they are spineless (like Guzmanias and Vrieseas), they probably grow in the shady understory in the wild and would do best in a lower light area. Those plants with stiffer (usually spiny) leaves (like Aechmeas and Neoregelias) or "airplants" like Tillandsias enjoy bright, filtered light. There are some plants that will tolerate full sun but most like a little protection.
That depends a lot on the type of bromeliad. Knowing the genus that the plant belongs to within the bromeliad family can tell you a lot about its requirements. A simple rule of thumb that works for most cases is: "Soft leaf - soft light, hard leaf - hard light." If the leaves of your plant are soft and flexible and especially if they are spineless (like Guzmanias and Vrieseas), they probably grow in the shady understory in the wild and would do best in a lower light area. Those plants with stiffer (usually spiny) leaves (like Aechmeas and Neoregelias) or "airplants" like Tillandsias enjoy bright, filtered light. There are some plants that will tolerate full sun but most like a little protection.
Pay attention to your plants and they will tell you if they are unhappy. If a plant is being grown in too little light, it will often lose the bright colors that it had when you bought it. In addition to turning greener (adding chlorophyll) to make the most of the lower light level, many plants will start growing much longer leaves increasing their surface area to compensate. If your plant starts getting "leggy", try moving it (gradually) to a brighter area. The plant will respond by regaining its color and "tightening up" to form a dense rosette with shorter leaves.
On the other extreme, too much light can be the culprit if the plant's color starts fading or "bleaching". If brown, sunburned spots start appearing on the portions of the leaves, it is a clear indication that the plant is getting too much light. Sometimes a plant that should be able to take more light fades or burns when placed in a sunny area. The plant might have been living in dimly lit conditions before you obtained it. You can work it out into brighter conditions in stages to acclimate the plant.
On the other extreme, too much light can be the culprit if the plant's color starts fading or "bleaching". If brown, sunburned spots start appearing on the portions of the leaves, it is a clear indication that the plant is getting too much light. Sometimes a plant that should be able to take more light fades or burns when placed in a sunny area. The plant might have been living in dimly lit conditions before you obtained it. You can work it out into brighter conditions in stages to acclimate the plant.
