Bromeliads are a family of plant (Bromeliaceae) that includes thousands of species, with even more varieties and cultivars. These plants are often used as low-maintenance landscaping, but their ease of care may come at a price.

Many mosquito species, including those of public health importance, have been found to use bromeliads as a breeding ground. 

There are many species of bromeliads, and not all of them provide a mosquito breeding habitat. The bromeliads of concern are ones that are shaped by layers of waxy leaves which creates a central cup, known as a tank, that allows water to collect and helps the plant retain water during droughts. These particular species are not typically native to Florida. 

However, there are a number of native species that are still low-maintenance and are Florida-friendly. 

Visit UF/IFAS' webpage on Florida Native Bromeliads to learn more. 

Fun fact: Pineapples are a bromeliad, of the family Bromeliaceae. Thankfully, these tasty, tropical treats do not breed mosquitoes. 

Mosquitoes can be grouped by their common breeding habitats. Those that prefer bromeliads fall under the "container" mosquito group. 

These include, but are not limited to, members of the Aedes, Culex, and Wyeomyia genera. Of these, the Aedes and Culex mosquitoes have species that are of human health concern: they are capable of transmitting diseases such as West Nile, zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. 

Sarasota County Mosquito Management conducts larval sampling in bromeliads and other mosquito breeding habitats. Sampling has increasingly shown that other species are also using bromeliads opportunistically.  

If you want to know if your bromeliads are breeding mosquitoes, all you need is a simple baster or pipette. 

Suction out water from the plant to look for signs of larvae or pupae. Eggs are not always easily distinguishable from other debris. 

 Bottom-watering is a technique you can use for indoor potted bromeliads. 

As the name implies, it allows the plants to absorb water from the base of the pot and up into the root system rather than from above. However, it does not provide a solution for outdoor potted bromeliads, as those kept outdoors are still exposed to rain and irrigation systems, which will still cause water to accumulate within the plant. 

Water baths are similar to bottom-watering, but the planter pot sits in deeper water up to the stem. 

• Researching your specific plants' watering needs is important before attempting a new care method. 
  • Ensure the correct time your plant needs for soaks to prevent drowning roots. 
  • Bromeliads often have short root systems, so larger pots will need longer soaks to reach the roots. 
• Pots must also have a method of allowing water in from the base, such as drainage holes.  
• Ensure that after their soak is completed, you dump or use any excess water from their soaking container or saucer. Even shallow dishes can breed mosquitoes if they hold water. 

Unlike other larger containers, flushing out standing water isn't as easy in bromeliads. 

Often, when you replace or flush water in a container, you should also be scrubbing the sides to dislodge any mosquito eggs, which isn't feasible in a bromeliad. You are also just re-introducing water into the breeding habitat. 

The best thing to do to remove standing water that is already in a bromeliad is to suction it out. Water goes deep into what is called the "tank", so a baster or pipette will allow you to reach the bottom. 

Many mineral oils can damage plant material and should not be applied to bromeliads as a form of mosquito control. 

The best thing to apply to bromeliads is BTI.