Tricolor Bromeliad

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) with some morning or late-afternoon sun tolerated; midday direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) will scorch the leaves. More light means more vivid leaf color.

Above 50% is ideal. Neoregelias are the most humidity-tolerant bromeliads and handle average indoor air reasonably well, but a pebble tray helps in dry rooms.

A fast-draining bark-based mix -- orchid bark blended with perlite -- is ideal. A 1:1:1 mix of peat, bark, and coarse sand also works well. Roots are mainly anchor points; the cup does the real nutritional work.

Root rot from overwatering is the main issue. Watch for aphids, thrips, and scale. Stagnant cup water can breed bacteria and mosquito larvae -- flush it regularly. Brown leaf tips usually point to low humidity or fluoride in the water.