A striking bromeliad with cool, frosted tones and a tidy, architectural rosette. Perfect for bright interiors and tropical container displays, this easy-care plant offers long-lasting color and an eye-catching form.
Description
Bromilead Gruberii Ice forms a sculptural rosette of strap-like leaves with icy, silvery highlights that lend a crisp, modern look. Like most bromeliads, each rosette flowers once, producing a vibrant, long-lasting inflorescence before making offsets (“pups”) that continue the display. It thrives in bright, filtered light and appreciates gentle humidity, making it a superb choice for desks, side tables, and covered patios. Grow in a free-draining, airy mix and keep a small reservoir of fresh water in the central cup for best vigor and color.
Suggested Uses
Versatile indoors and out (frost-free). Adds texture, color, and form to modern spaces.
Evergreen, strap-like leaves in a symmetrical rosette with frosted, silvery tones.
Bloom Time
Late spring to summer; single rosette blooms once with bracts lasting 2–4+ months, then produces pups.
Growth Rate
Moderate; quickest in warm temperatures with bright, filtered light and steady humidity.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect or dappled light; morning sun is fine—avoid harsh afternoon sun indoors.
Attracts Pollinators
Yes—flowers can attract hummingbirds and bees outdoors in warm climates.
Indoor Friendly
Excellent—adaptable to household light and humidity with minimal care.
Container Friendly
Yes—prefers snug pots with very free drainage; also suitable for mounting.
Deer Resistant
Generally deer-resistant due to tough, leathery foliage.
Pet Warning
Typically non-toxic, but discourage chewing; some leaves may have small spines and the central cup water can stagnate.
Fragrant
Usually not fragrant; a few bromeliads have mild scent when in bloom.
Cut Flower
Yes—colorful bracts are long-lasting in arrangements or display for weeks.
Grows Well With
Orchids, ferns, philodendrons, calatheas, peperomias, and other bromeliads (e.g., tillandsias).
Care Tips
Follow these best practices for healthy growth and vibrant color.
Planting Instructions
Use a snug container with drainage. Set the rosette above the medium—never bury the crown. Suitable for mounting on wood or bark slabs as an epiphyte.
Soil Moisture
Keep the central cup 1/3–1/2 full with fresh water; refresh weekly. Let the potting mix dry slightly between waterings—never waterlog.
Soil Type
Very free-draining, airy mix: orchid bark + perlite + coco/peat with a bit of charcoal. Target pH 5.5–6.5.
Humidity
Prefers 50–70% with good airflow; tolerates average indoor humidity. Use a pebble tray or humidifier if air is very dry.
Pruning Instructions
Remove spent bloom stalks and browned leaves at the base. Separate pups when they are 1/3–1/2 the size of the mother plant using sterilized tools.
Winter Care
Protect from cold drafts; keep above 50°F (10°C). Water less frequently and keep the cup only lightly filled to reduce rot risk.
Planting Depth
Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot. Keep the base of the rosette slightly elevated for airflow; never bury the crown.
Fertilization
Feed lightly in spring–summer with a balanced fertilizer at 1/4 strength monthly. Apply to the medium or as a foliar spray; avoid strong fertilizer in the cup. Flush the cup monthly.
Special Care
Use rain or distilled water if tap water is hard. Flush the tank to prevent stagnation. Rotate for even light. Watch for mealybugs/scale; avoid copper-based products, which can harm bromeliads.