How to grow and care for Bird's Nest Bromeliads (Nidularium spp) Indoors
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Botanical name: Nidularium spp
Family: Bromeliaceae
Sufamily: Bromelioideae
Bird's Nest Bromeliads Description
Nidularium Bromeliads are foliage houseplants with a central rosette of very short saw-edged leaves (Bird's Nest) which turns bright-red at flowering time.
In Bird's Nest Bromeliads, the leaves below the bird's nest are about 1 ft long and 2 in. wide. The usual pattern for Bird's Nest Bromeliads is a rosette of leathery, strap-like foliage.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads Flower
A Bird's Nest Bromeliad may take 3-5 years to reach the flowering stage but the display may last upto 6 months.
Once the flowering is over, the rosette of leaves in Bird's Nest Bromeliads begins to die and is replaced by offsets (pups) at the base of the plant which can be used to propagate new plants.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads Varieties
The popular varieties of Bird's Nest Bromeliads are Nidularium fulgens, Nidularium innocentii and Nidularium innocentii striatum.
Nidularium Bromeliads differ from the Neoregelia Bromeliads in that they have a central rosette of very short saw-edged leaves (Bird's nest) which turns bright-red at flowering time.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads (Nidularium Bromeliads) Care Indoors
Bird's Nest Bromeliads Light Requirements
Bird's Nest Bromeliads grow best in bright light but away from direct sunlight. It can also grow under a grow light.
Turn the pot regularly to ensure the plant receives light on all sides for even growth. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads Watering
Like with other rosette Bromeliads, Bird's Nest Bromeliads require the central 'vase' to be filled with water at all times. Empty and refill the Bird's Nest Bromeliad 'vase' regularly to prevent growth of bacteria which may cause the water to become smelly.
Use only chlorine-free water for your Bird's Nest Bromeliads as they are sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals that may be dissolved in water.
Water the soil of your Bird's Nest Bromeliad only when it dries to keep the roots moist.
Avoid soggy soil for your Bird's Nest Bromeliads as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of your Bromeliad.
Temperature for Bird's Nest Bromeliads
The best temperature for growing your Bird's Nest Bromeliad indoors is an average warmth with a minimum of 150C. However, to bring the Bird's Nest Bromeliad to flower requires temperatures above 260C.
Humidity for Bird's Nest Bromeliads
Bird's Nest Bromeliads require a humid enviroment inorder to thrive. If the humidity is too low, the plant develops brown leaf tips.
To raise humidity for your Bird's Nest Bromeliad, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Ensure there is good air circulation for your Bird's Nest Bromeliads to prevent pests and disease infestation.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Bird's Nest Bromeliads with a liquid fertilizer (foliar feed) every 2 weeks during the growing season.
Do not feed your Bird's Nest Bromeliad during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and it may lead to fertilizer burn for your Bromeliad.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads Repotting
Repotting your Bird's Nest Bromeliad is not necessary as its roots are tiny and are unlikely to fill the pot.
Pot your Bird's Nest Bromeliad in a shallow, heavy pot to prevent it from toppling over as it can become top-heavy.
Also provide support for your Bird's Nest Bromeliad to help keep it upright. Read more on how to train houseplants.
Soil for Bird's Nest Bromeliad
Bird's Nest Bromeliad Soil: The best soil for Bird's Nest Bromeliad should be rich in organic matter, loose, free-draining bark soil to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
Most orchid potting mixes are ideal for Bird's Nest Bromeliad. Buy quality Orchid Potting Mix for your Bird's Nest Bromeliad from Etsy.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads Pruning
Pruning Bird's Nest Bromeliad involves removal of dead leaves to keep your plant neat and tidy and to allow adequate room for the new plants to grow.
Remove the dead foliage from your Bird's Nest Bromeliad by cutting at the base with a sharp, clean knife or a pair of scissors while taking care not to cause unnecessary injury to the plant.
Remove the spent flower from your Bird's Nest Bromeliad by cutting at the base with a sharp, clean knife or a pair of scissors.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads (Nidularium Bromeliads) Propagation
Bird's Nest Bromeliads propagation is from offsets (pups) appearing at the base of the plant.
How to propagate Bird's Nest Bromeliads from offsets (pups)
When the Bird's Nest Bromeliad offset (pup) is several months old or 1/3 to 1/2 the height of mother plant, separate it from the mother by cutting with a sharp, clean knife or scissors.
Ensure the Bird's Nest Bromeliad offset has some roots attached to it and plant the Bird's Nest Bromeliad offset shallowly in loose, free-draining, bark soil.
Use a shallow heavy pot to prevent your Bird's Nest Bromeliad from toppling over as it can get top-heavy.
Ensure the Bird's Nest Bromeliad is well supported to prevent it from toppling over as its has a small root system.
Place the set up in a warm, shaded place until the new Bird's Nest Bromeliad plant is well established after which you can begin normal routine care.
Bird's Nest Bromeliads (Nidularium Bromeliads) Problems Indoors
Bird's Nest Bromeliads (Nidularium Bromeliads) problems indoors are mainly caused by cultural faults in lighting, humidity and watering. Continue reading for the remedies and solutions.
Bird's Nest Bromeliad pale brown leaf patches
Bird's Nest Bromeliad pale brown leaf patches are caused by exposure of Bird's Nest Bromeliad to direct sunlight. The plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight.
Bird's Nest Bromeliad does not like to be exposed to direct sunlight. Protect it from direct sunlight or move it to a shadier spot away from direct sunlight.
Bird's Nest Bromeliad brown leaf tips
Bird's Nest Bromeliad brown leaf tips are due to too low humidity (too dry air). The plant grows best in high humidity.
To raise humidity for your Bird's Nest Bromeliad, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Bird's Nest Bromeliad dark, soft, drooping, long leaves
Bird's Nest Bromeliad dark, soft, drooping, long leaves are caused by inadequate light (too little light. This Bromeliad grows best in bright light away from direct sunlight.
Move your Bird's Nest Bromeliad to a brighter spot as it prefers bright light but away from direct sunlight. It can also grow under a grow light.
Bird's Nest Bromeliad pests
Bird's Nest Bromeliads pests are Scales and Mealy Bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Bird's Nest Bromeliad dying
Bird's Nest Bromeliad dying is due to two possible reasons. One reason is, if the Bird's Nest Bromeliad has not flowered, the cause of death is root-rot disease due to soggy soil.
The second possible reason is, if the Bird's Nest Bromeliad has flowered then rotting and death of rosette which bore the flower-stalk is natural to give room for the new plants (pups).
Remove the dead foliage from your Bird's Nest Bromeliad by cutting at the base with a clean knife or a pair of scissors to create space for the new plants.
Is Bird's Nest Bromeliad (Nidularium spp) toxic?
Bird's Nest Bromeliads (Nidularium spp) are non-toxic to humans and pets. The plants are safe to grow indoors.
However, the leaves of your Bird's Nest Bromeliad bear short spines which may cause physical injury if handled with bare hands. Always wear gloves when handling your Bird's Nest Bromeliad to prevent injury.
