Purplish Coral Berry

bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) to moderate shade. This is one of the few bromeliads that genuinely tolerates lower light levels without falling apart. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet back from a south window works well. Fluorescent office lighting is sufficient for maintaining the plant, though it may not bloom in very dim conditions.

Appreciates moderate to high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby) but is reasonably tolerant of average household levels. Occasional misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) with soft water is appreciated. Brown leaf tips are usually a sign that the air is too dry or the cup has run dry.

Use a fast-draining bromeliad or orchid mix. Equal parts coarse peat and orchid bark is reliable. Avoid dense, moisture-retaining potting soils. The root system is small and shallow - a 4-inch pot is adequate for most specimens. The pH should be slightly acidic, around 5.0 to 5.6.

Red spider mites appear in warm, dry conditions - look for stippled, dull leaves and fine webbing. Mealybugs appear as white cottony deposits in leaf axils. Stagnant water in the cup causes bacterial rot and a foul smell - flush it regularly. Root rot from overwatering the soil is possible. The sharp leaf margins can cause skin irritation on contact, so handle with care.