Bromeliad Plant Problems Common Problems With Bromeliads

Too little and the plant dries out, too much and they are prone to stem rot. Stem rot is probably the most common problem with bromeliads. They are also prone to several other fungal issues. Besides root and crown rot, Pythium causes wilting, blanching and eventually dark, mushy roots.

Why is my bromeliad plant dying?

Bromeliads tend to get most of their moisture through their center cup, but the roots need to stay moist as well. If the soil is too wet -- water stands in the pot's bottom or you can squeeze water out of a handful of soil -- the plant will begin to fade. Poke your finger in the soil if you think the soil is too dry.

Why are the tips of my bromeliad turning brown?

Brown tips or light brown spots on the leaves are indications that the plant is getting too much sun. When you move a bromeliad outdoors for the summer, take care to ensure it is not exposed to too much direct sun.

Why are the leaves curling on my bromeliad?

If so, they might be thirsty. This browning indicates dryness, and you'll see browning as a result of underwatering specifically at the tips of the bromeliad's leaves. Likewise, the leaves curling up at the edges can be a sign of too little water, according to the growers at Sloat Garden Center.

How often should bromeliads be watered?

While their roots prefer to be moist, they can never be allowed to remain soggy. Water that does not drain properly through your potting medium can cause your plant to develop root or crown rot. It is often times sufficient to water your bromeliad once a week.

How long do bromeliads last?

Originally from the tropics of South America, Central America and Africa, these tropical indoor plants are easy to care for and are easy on the pocketbook. The most common variety of bromeliads, the flowering guzmania (Guzmania spp.), last for two to three years, reports Homestead Gardens.

What to do with a bromeliad after the bloom has died?

To remove a spent bloom, use a sharp, sterilized blade and cut the bloom stalk. Make a clean cut as close to the remaining plant as possible without harming it. Once you've removed the bloom, you can toss it in the trash or compost. Don't neglect your bromeliad just because it finished blooming.

Do Bromeliads need sun or shade?

Most bromeliads thrive in bright, indirect sunlight or dappled shade. Many bromeliads will scorch when exposed for long periods of time to direct sunlight. Most bromeliads require more humidity than is typical in a climate controlled environment.

How do you get bromeliads to rebloom?

Forcing a Bromeliad to Bloom Sooner

Empty the depression in the plant and encase it in a large plastic bag accompanied by a slice of apple, kiwi or banana. These fruits give off ethylene gas, which will help force the plant into bloom. Keep the plant in the bag for 10 days and then remove the covering.

How do I know if my bromeliad is dying?

The flower starts to turn brown after a few months, completely dies and you cut it off. Eventually you notice that the plant is slowly turning brown too. In the case of aechmeas, the leaves tend to bend and droop a bit. If the tip of your bromeliad leaves are turning brown, no worries about that.

Should I mist my bromeliad?

You may need to mist a bromeliad regularly if the humidity is less than ideal (60%). Be sure to mist when your plant's leaves are dry, but before they are exposed to any direct sun. For those living in climates with a colder season, you will want to consider planting your bromeliads in containers.

When should I repot my bromeliad?

A young bromeliad can benefit from a repotting if they are outgrowing their container. This is best done in the spring. Most full sized bromeliads will not require a planter pot larger than 6 inches. Using a larger plant container than needed can lead to over-watering issues.

How do you save an overwatered bromeliad?

Simple soak your container and allow it to drain well. Then add some water to the central cup. Your bromeliad should recover quickly.

Can I put my Bromeliad outside?

As long as you live where the winters are mild and warm, or you bring your plants in before the temperatures drop, you can grow bromeliads outside. The epiphytic types are happy with sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees. ... Terrestrial species can be planted in a potting soil made especially for bromeliads.

How do you water a Guzmania bromeliad?

Water. Guzmania take in water through their central tank and leaves in addition to their roots. Keep water in the bromeliad's tank, the space where the leaves meet and form a cup toward the base of the plant. Never put water in the bracts or flowering portion of the plant.

How often do you water bromeliad?

You don't want your bromeliad to sit in water. In the winter the frequency is more like every 4-5 weeks & in the summer every 3-4 weeks. The urn (cup, tank or vase) gets thoroughly flushed out. This is the core of the bromeliad & is how the plant stores water in nature.

Do bromeliads die after flowering?

Do Bromeliads Flower Once – Tips On Bromeliad Care After Flowering. ... The flowers can stay blooming for months, but eventually they fade and die. This doesn't mean the plant is dying; it just means the plant is focusing energy on the leaves and roots.

Do bromeliads bloom more than once?

Bromeliads often have both striking foliage as well as flowers. However, a bromeliad will only bloom once throughout its lifespan. Though that seems like a bummer, especially if you bought the bromeliad for its blooms, the flowers actually last for a good portion of time—generally 3 to 6 months.

Can bromeliads live indoors?

Bromeliads are excellent indoor plants. They have colorful, long-lasting inflorescence and some have brilliantly colored foliage as well. ... Although many bromeliads are epiphytic, living on branches and trunks of trees in their native habitat, most can be grown in containers.

How long does it take Bromeliad pups to root?

It takes a couple of weeks for the root systems to grow and become established, so support the plant with small stakes if necessary. Although the pups are old enough to live on their own, they won't be mature enough to bloom until they are at least a year old -- some don't bloom until age 3 or later.

Are bromeliads poisonous?

The ASPCA has declared bromeliads safe and non toxic to cats and dogs. ... The plants are non-toxic to humans. Some species may be best kept out of the reach of children due to potential allergic reactions.

Do you have to remove Bromeliad pups?

Do I need to separate them from the original plant? A: The growths are called offsets or pups. Bromeliads slowly die over a period of a year or two after flowering. ... The pups should be separated from the mother plant after they have developed a small rosette or circle of leaves similar to the mother plant.