We know that you are passionate about plants and that you want each of the varieties you have at home to be healthy and look its best. Precisely for this reason, we have prepared this article for you in which we compile problems and solutions for bromeliads.
We are going to tell you how to take care of them in the most appropriate way and what you can do if you notice signs that something is not going as well as it should with your plant.
Essential bromeliad care
Bromeliad is a tropical plant originally from Brazil. In this country, it grows in the natural hollows between the trees, in the wild. But we know her as a houseplant, a variety that is highly appreciated for its resistance and because it is very beautiful.
Here the bromeliad is out of its natural environment, so it requires a series of special care to be able to look as splendid as it does in its place of origin.
location of bromeliads
The problems and solutions for bromeliads frequently involve the correct location of the plant. Because if it does not receive enough light, or receives too much, it is normal for it to appear withered, and it could even die.
The key is to get him to receive indirect sunlight for several hours a day. To do this, you can place it near a window (not right in front of it) that is protected with thin curtains. In addition, make sure that not near a radiator or other heating system, because this could dry out the plant too much.
As far as temperature is concerned, the ideal for it to grow and flourish is for it to be maintained between 18º and 24º C. The more stable and warm its environment, the better, so we are going to avoid placing the pot in a place where the plant can receive cold drafts or suffer sudden changes in temperature.
Irrigation and humidity
As the good tropical plant that it is, the bromeliad appreciates humidity, but that does not mean that you have to water it constantly. Just once or twice a week apply water on its leaves with a sprinkler. If you are going to be outside, or you think you will not remember to do this task, place a small earthenware bowl with water near the pot, so that the leaves absorb moisture as the water evaporates near them. .
Regarding irrigation, it is convenient that the substrate is always slightly moist, but never flooded. Choose a substrate that drains well and then remove the water that accumulates in the saucer of the pot.
For best results, directly waters the central rosette, and make sure that no standing water remains at the base of the plant, as this could cause the plant to rot.
Problems and solutions for bromeliads
Applying the care that we have seen, your bromeliad should look beautiful and grow healthily, but something can always happen that causes the plant to appear withered.
Brown spots on the leaves
The appearance of more or less large spots, and brown in color, on the leaves of the bromeliad, can have two explanations. Often it is a Sun burn. That is, we have exposed the plant to the sun more than is recommended.
Here the solution is to find a new location for the pot. As we have seen before, we will ensure that the bromeliad receives natural light indirectly. Another thing we can do is turn the plant periodically so that it receives light equally on all its leaves.
If the brown stain does not look dry, we could be facing a fungal infection, surely generated by an excess of watering or humidity. The first thing in this case is space watering and the frequency with which moisture is applied to the leaves. Afterwards, it is convenient to apply a antifungal product, such as those that can be purchased in specialized stores.
insect pests
Even if they are inside the house, bromeliads are not spared from the destructive action that certain insect pests can have. The aphids and cochineal They are relatively frequent, and an excessive presence could end up with this and other plants. Luckily, this is a problem that has an easy solution.
You don't need to wait for an infestation, as soon as you see "bugs" you can eliminate them rubbing the leaves with cotton impregnated with alcohol or in neem oil. If you see that these homemade solutions are not effective in your case, you can find specialized products in horticultural stores.
bromeliad without flowers
When discussing problems and solutions for bromeliads, failure to bloom is frequently discussed. In this sense, it is important to highlight that this is a plant that takes about two years to flower, and that only gives flowers once throughout its life. In fact, after flowering, the bromeliad dies. But don't worry, because that doesn't mean you're going to run out of plants.
Your current bromeliad it will die after blooming, but it will leave you some offspring that you can take care of to continue enjoying the beauty of this plant at home.
It is advisable to leave the children next to the mother plant, so that they grow stronger. As the mother dries she trims the leaves off her and allows new ones to develop.
Leaf fall
Bromeliad leaf drop can have many causes. Perhaps it has received too much water, or too little, it is even possible that it has fungus or that it does not receive enough light. you have to do a in-depth examination of the care you are giving and detect what may be the cause. In most cases, by adjusting watering and daylight hours, the plant improves after a few weeks.
We hope that this compilation of problems and solutions for bromeliads will help you to ensure that your plants are healthy and beautiful. Can you tell us in the comments about your experience with this tropical plant?