When it comes to bromeliads, even experienced gardeners can sometimes ask, “is my bromeliad dead?”. If you’re not sure whether your plant is dead or just going through a dry spell, there are a few things you can look for.
If the leaves on your bromeliad are dry and withered, it is likely that the plant is dead. Another sign that the plant is dead is – if the center of the plant is brown and mushy. You can also check if the plant is still alive by poking the soil with your finger. If it feels moist, then the plant is still alive.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the signs that your bromeliad is dead and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future.
What Causes Bromeliads to Die?
Bromeliads are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and even small changes can cause them to die. Some of the most common causes of death for bromeliads include:
The Plant Is Not Getting Enough Water
Bromeliads are native to tropical regions and require consistent watering to thrive. If the plant is not getting enough water, the leaves will begin to turn brown and eventually die.
Unable to Receive Sunlight
They need bright, filtered sunlight to grow. So if your bromeliad isn’t getting enough light, it will slowly start to die.
Lack of Humidity
These plants require higher humidity levels than what is found in most homes. This is because the air in our homes is quite dry, especially in the winter when we heat our homes. This lack of humidity is often the number one cause of bromeliad death.
Too Much Sun
They grow best in filtered sunlight and will quickly suffer if exposed to direct sun for extended periods of time. The leaves of a bromeliad will begin to turn yellow and brown if it is getting too much sun. If you suspect your plant is getting too much sun, move it to a shadier spot.
Pests
Bromeliads are susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and thrips. Mealybugs are small, white, wingless insects that congregate in masses on the leaves and stems of plants, often in hard-to-see places. They feed by piercing the plant and sucking out the sap, which can cause the leaves to be yellow and the plant to wilt.
Scale are tiny insects that attach themselves to the stems or leaves of plants and suck out the sap. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mold.
Thrips are tiny, winged insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause the leaves to become mottled or discolored and eventually die.
The Plant Is Stressed
If the plant is moved from one place to another, it can go into shock and die because these plants are susceptible. Even small changes, like a change in temperature or humidity, can stress a bromeliad.
The Plant Is Pot-Bound
The most common cause of bromeliad death is when the plant becomes pot-bound. This means that the roots have become so tightly packed that they can no longer absorb water and nutrients from the potting mix. As a result, the plant will slowly start to wilt, and the leaves will begin to turn yellow and brown.
What Are the Signs of a Dying Bromeliad?
Bromeliads are a type of plant that typically has brightly colored flowers and long-lasting foliage. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world and are popular houseplants. Although bromeliads are relatively easy to care for, when a bromeliad is dying, there are several signs to look for.
Fading Flowers
One of the first signs that a bromeliad is dying is the fading of its flowers. These flowers are typically very colorful, so when they begin to fade, it is a sign that the plant is not doing well. The flowers may fade in color, or they may wilt and droop.
Yellowing Or Browning Leaves
Another sign that a bromeliad is dying is the yellowing or browning of its leaves. Healthy bromeliad leaves are typically green, but when the plant is not doing well, the leaves may turn yellow, brown, or black. The leaves may also become dry and brittle.
Lack of New Growth
Bromeliads typically produce new growth on a regular basis. If the plant is not producing new growth, it is a sign that the plant is dying. New growth can include new leaves, new flowers, or new offsets (baby plants).
How Can I Tell If My Tillandsia is Dead?
If your tillandsia is showing no signs of growth and its leaves have turned brown or gray, it may be a dead tillandsia. Lack of green color or any signs of life are clear indications. Additionally, a lack of roots or a foul odor are also signs of a dead tillandsia.
How Can You Prevent Your Bromeliad from Dying?
Bromeliads can be finicky plants, and they often die if they are not cared for properly. However, if you want to prevent your plant from dying, there are a few things you can do.
Watering
Bromeliads are sensitive to both too much and too little water. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to turn brown and crispy.
To water a bromeliad, simply soak the base of the plant in water for a few minutes. Allow the plant to drain, and then place it back in its pot. Do not water the plant again until the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilizing
These plants need to be fertilized regularly in order to thrive. However, they are sensitive to chemicals, so it is essential to use a fertilizer that is designed for use on bromeliads.
This fertilizer is usually high in phosphorus, which is necessary for flower production. Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter.
Lighting
Bromeliads need bright, indirect light in order to grow. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it is best to place your plant in a spot where it will receive indirect sunlight. If you live in a climate with cool winters, you may need to place your plant under a grow light in order to provide it with the light it needs to grow.
Temperature
These plants prefer warm temperatures and will not tolerate cold temperatures well. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your bromeliad may start to experience stress.
In extreme cases, the plant may die. To prevent your plant from dying in cold weather, make sure to keep it in a warm, humid room and away from drafts.
Humidity
Bromeliads thrive in humid environments. If the air in your home is too dry, your plant may start to suffer. To increase the humidity around your plant, you can mist it with water or place it on a pebble tray. A pebble tray is a tray filled with pebbles and water. The water will evaporate and increase the humidity around the plant.
Pests
These plants are susceptible to pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. These pests can cause the plant to become weak and eventually die. To prevent your bromeliad from being killed by pests, inspect it regularly for signs of infestation. If you see any pests, you can remove them by hand or treat the plant with an insecticide.
Diseases
Bromeliads can also be susceptible to diseases like root rot and fungal diseases. These diseases can kill the plant if they are not treated quickly. To prevent your plant from dying of a disease, make sure to water it properly and to keep an eye out for any signs of disease.
If you think your plant is sick, you should take it to a plant doctor or nursery for diagnosis and treatment.
With proper care, bromeliads can be long-lived, beautiful plants. By following the tips above, you can prevent your plant from dying and keep it healthy for many years to come.
Final Say
In conclusion, bromeliads can die for a variety of reasons, including too much or too little water, exposure to cold temperatures, or pests. However, there are some signs that your plant is dying, including wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, or brown spots.
You can prevent your bromeliad from dying by following some simple tips, such as watering it regularly, keeping it in a warm environment, and protecting it from pests.
Resources:
- https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/nassauco/2017/06/20/q-bromeliad-starting-produce-little-plants-off-side-need-separate-original-plant/
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bromeliads/
- https://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2004/041704.html
