Viewing post #3052241 by sunkissed

keithp2012 said: I saw some really nice, large bromeliads at the garden center. They have large, open mouth looking colorful flowers on top and green leaves. I remember owning one and the whole plant turned brown and rotted within weeks of purchasing.
I have a low light stand near the window but the temp is maybe upper 60's in Winter.

I'm not sure what soil to use, or how to water. I used to mist with water and keep soil constantly moist thinking it's tropical and needs high moisture. What's the right way to care for these?

There are many varieties of bromeliads. So hard to know without a photo which kind you're describing. Some of the most common seen in the stores are Guzmania or Vriesea types. All bromeliads are epiphytes and need a very good draining soil, like cactus or orchid mix. They love humidity and different levels of light, but do need some filtered sunlight. Bromeliads take water in from the central cup, watering the soil too much causes root rot, in cooler temps they need less watering. I'd start by searching the database and see if you can find one that looks similar to what you saw in the store.