Bromeliad Leaves Curling

Confusing as it may sound, bromeliad leaves turning brown – even the tips turning brown – can also indicate too much water. The difference here is that browning leaves as a result of underwatering feel dry and crisp, while overwatered leaves usually feel soft and mushy.

How often do bromeliads need water?

Due to attributes like the aforementioned trichomes, many bromeliads are among the more drought-tolerant houseplants and dislike being over-watered. You can keep them healthy by watering the soil every one to two weeks in the warmer months, and every two to three weeks in the colder months.

How do you know when a bromeliad needs water?

Feel the soil: the top layer (about 1 inch) should be dry before giving your Bromeliad plant more water. You should also check the rosette/center of the plant, it should always have at least a little water in it. If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

What does a dying bromeliad look like?

In the case of bromeliads, if the leaves are turning brown and/or drooping, it's because the mother plant is dying. It's part of the lifecycle of a bromeliad – the mother plant dies out and the pups (a term used for babies in the plant world) carry on.

Do bromeliads like 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.

Why are the tips of my bromeliad curling?

The most common cause of leaf curling in bromeliad plants has to do with watering issues. More specifically, the leaves will start to curl when the plant isn't getting enough water. What is this? Simply start checking the bromeliad plant more often to see if it needs water.

What is the proper way to water a bromeliad?

The center of a bromeliad is called a tank or cup. This particular plant will hold water in its tank. Fill the tank in the center and don't allow it to get empty. Don't let the water sit for a long time or it will stagnate and possibly cause damage to the plant.

Should you bottom water bromeliads?

Bromeliad Watering Let all the excess water run out of the drainage holes. You don't want the base of the plant to sit in water. Make sure all water has drained out before putting it back in the decorative pot and/or saucer.

Do you water bromeliads from top or bottom?

The best way to water most plants is from the top, by slowly pouring water from a bottle or watering-can around the plant's crown until water drips out through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container.

How do you dry out an overwatered bromeliad?

If the container feels heavy yet the plant droops, you probably have a water-logging crisis. To save the plant, several thicknesses of newspaper in a pan or basin, lay the pot on its side, and slide out the root ball. Allow the root ball to dry on the newspapers overnight.

How do I know if my bromeliad is getting too much sun?

If your bromeliad is sitting in a window that gets too much direct sunlight, it can scorch. 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.

Should I remove dead bromeliad leaves?

Dead or dying leaves can be pruned off at any time. What is this? Trim off the flower spike after it dies back, but keep the plant growing as long as you can so that it will have plenty of time to grow pups. Once the main plant dies back, you can prune it out and leave the pups growing in the pot.

How do I bring my bromeliad back to life?

After it has bloomed, it will slowly begin to fade as part of its normal lifespan.

1. Examine the Bromeliad. Check the bromeliad's soil for light, even moistness.
2. Switch to Distilled Water. ...
3. Adjust the Plant's Light Level. ...
4. Mist the Bromeliad. ...
5. Keep the Plant Warm. ...
6. Prune the Bromeliad.

What are common bromeliad problems?

Too much or too little water plus insects and mites are the main problems. Root rot usually results from a soil mix that does not drain quickly or overly frequent watering. Scale and mealybugs are the most frequent insect pests of bromeliads.

What is the lifespan of a bromeliad?

Bromeliads live for two to five years. They're one of those plants that blooms once when it hits maturity, and then slowly dies off as it puts all its energy into producing new plants, called pups. Bromeliad blooms last up to six months, so you get a long-lived bloom for the plant's lone flower show.

Do bromeliads do better in pots?

They also grow happily in the ground or in pots, as long as they have good drainage. When growing bromeliads in pots, be sure to use well-draining potting mix like those made specifically for orchids and succulents. Ensure your pot also has enough drainage holes for its size.

Do bromeliads need big pots?

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. Whether you are repotting a large bromeliad or small offsets, take care not to set plants too deeply or too shallow.

Where should bromeliads be placed?

Bromeliads grow best in bright, indirect light, both indoors and out. Don't put them where the afternoon sun will shine directly on their leaves, as that can cause them to burn, but don't stick them in a dark corner, either.

Why is my bromeliad crispy?

Low humidity can cause crispy leaves on Bromeliads as well. Increasing humidity will help your plant greatly. Mist daily or at least a few times per week. Using a pebble tray or humidifier will help boost humidity as well.

How long does it take for a bromeliad to rebloom?

Blooming, with good care, generally will occur one to three years after separation from the parent plant. Most people have the best success getting bromeliads to bloom when they put the plants outside during the warm months of April to October.