Bromeliad is a plant that loves to live in low-light environments. If you put your bromeliad in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, it will quickly get sunburned.
The leaves of the plant will turn red or brown, and eventually, they will dry out and fall off. If this happens, you must move your plant to a shadier spot and apply sunscreem on burned area.
This blog will explore what could happen if your bromeliad gets a sunburn. We will discuss the signs of sunburn, how to prevent it, and what to do if your plant does get sunburned.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bromeliad Getting Sunburned?
Bromeliads are a type of tropical plant that is native to South America. They are known for their brightly colored flowers and ability to grow in dense, moist areas.
Bromeliads are also known for their sensitivity to sunlight. Here are some symptoms of a bromeliad getting sunburned –
Change in Color
A color change is one of the first symptoms of a bromeliad getting sunburned. The leaves of the plant may turn red, purple, or brown. This is caused by the leaves being damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Wilting
Another symptom of a bromeliad getting sunburned is wilting. The plant leaves will start to droop and may even curl up. This is caused by the plant losing moisture due to the sun’s heat.
Blisters
Another symptom of a bromeliad getting sunburned is blisters. These are small, raised bumps on the leaves of the plant. They are caused by the plant’s cells being damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Sunscald
Sun-scald is another indication that a bromeliad has been sunburned This is when the plant leaves turn white or pale. Sunscald is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays damaging the plant’s cells.
Moving the plant to a shadier location is essential if you notice any of these symptoms on your bromeliad. They are very sensitive to sunlight and can easily get sunburned.
How to Prevent Your Bromeliad from Getting Sunburn?
If you live in a particularly sunny area or if you’re growing your bromeliad outdoors, it’s important to take steps to prevent your plant from getting sunburned.
Sunburn can cause the leaves of your bromeliad to turn brown and crispy, and it can even kill the plant. Here are a few tips for preventing sunburn on your bromeliad –
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Bromeliads are tropical plants, so they’re used to growing in shady areas. When you move your plant outdoors, make sure to place it in an area that doesn’t get direct sunlight. If you can’t avoid direct sunlight, try to provide shade for your plant with a parasol or umbrella.
Monitor the Temperature
When the temperature starts to rise, it’s important to keep an eye on your bromeliad. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of your plant can start to burn. If you think your bromeliad is getting too much sun, move it to a shadier spot.
Provide Good Air Circulation
Good air circulation is essential for all plants, but it’s especially important for bromeliads. Make sure to place your plant in an area where there is a breeze, or use a fan to circulate the air around your plant.
Place the Plant in a Safe Spot
Bromeliad used to live in warm climate. If you live in an area with intense sunlight plant them on a shadier place. For indoor bromeliads put them near window where dirct sunlight unable to reach.
How to Treat a Bromeliad with Sunburn?
Bromeliads are one of the most popular houseplants, and for a good reason! They are easy to care for and come in various colors and shapes.
But even the most careful gardener can sometimes forget to protect their bromeliad from the sun. So if your bromeliad has sunburn, don’t despair! It will soon return to its old self with a bit of care.
Here are some tips on how to treat a bromeliad with sunburn –
#1. Move Your Plant to a Shadier Spot
If you notice that your bromeliad is starting to get sunburned, the first thing you should do is move it to a shadier spot. This will help prevent further damage to the leaves.
#2. Cut off Any Damaged Leaves
Once you’ve moved your plant to a shadier spot, look closely at the leaves. If any of them start turning brown or black, it’s best to cut them off.
This will help your plant focus its energy on healing the damaged leaves and prevent the spread of sunburn.
#3. Water Regularly
Keeping your bromeliad well-watered is important for helping it recover from sunburn. Ensure to water the plant at the base rather than spraying the leaves.
#4. Apply a Sunscreen
If you live in an area with intense sun, you may want to apply sunscreen to your bromeliad leaves. This will help protect them from further damage.
#5. Be Patient
Recovering from sunburn can take a few weeks, so be patient! However, with a bit of tender loving care, your bromeliad will soon return to its old self.
You can use the following things to revive your bromeliad from sunburn damage.
How to Take Care of Bromeliads?
Bromeliads are a type of plant that can brighten up any room and are relatively easy to take care of. Here are some tips on how to take care of your bromeliad –
Choose the Correct Brightness Suitable for Bromeliad
As we said, bromeliads prefer bright, indirect sunlight. So, it would be best to put them in a place where there is enough light, but direct sunlight cannot reach them.
For example, you can place your plant near a window where it will receive plenty of light without being in direct sunlight.
Provide Enough Water
Most bromeliads grow best with moderate to high humidity and regular watering. Depending on the species, some bromeliads can tolerate long periods of drought.
Many have a common question: how often should I water my bromeliad, and what should I consider while watering? So here are the answers –
- Check the Soil Moisture Level
Before watering your plants, check the moisture level of the soil. Bromeliads prefer evenly moist soil but don’t like to be soggy. So, check out your plant soil. If it’s become dry, you should water them a little.
Many experts suggest watering them once every five weeks in the winter season. In summer, you may water them more frequently, like once in two weeks.
- Avoid Too Much Water
Putting too much water on bromeliad will have a chance of infecting with fungus.
So, if you have these plants in tubs, ensure that the tubs have enough draining system so that the excess water runs out of the drainage holes.
- Avoid Metal Stuffs
Bromeliads don’t like metal things. For example, don’t use any metal pots to water them. Instead, try to use plastic or better organic material pots.
- Wash them
Wild bromeliads washed by rain. But the planted bromeliads should clean after a certain amount of time.
When watering bromeliads, flush out the cup or vase formed by the leaves to remove any accumulated debris or insects. Use only filtered or distilled water to avoid mineral build-up on the leaves.
Fertilizing
Fertilize bromeliads monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Bromeliads are light feeders, and too much fertilizer can burn the roots.
Regular Check for Pests and Diseases
Bromeliads can face some pastes like Aphids, Thrips, Mites, etc. These pests suck the sugary juices from plants.
Also, they often cause of bringing ants. So, check for pests and diseases regularly and take action if needed.
Temperature
Bromeliads can be sensitive to temperature changes, so keep them in a consistent environment. Avoid placing them near drafts or heat sources.
Also, they like to be in humid climates, so regularly misting the plant will help keep it healthy.
Following these simple tips can keep your bromeliad healthy and flourishing.
Can Bromeliads Survive in Full Sun?
Bromeliads are a type of plant that is native to the tropical areas of Central and South America. They are known for their colorful flowers and ability to grow in the crooks of trees.
Bromeliads are not typically known for their ability to survive in full sun, but a few species of them can tolerate more sun then others. Here are some examples –
Aechmea Blanchetiana
On the eastern side of Brazil is a native place to see Aechmea Blanchetiana. However, they have almost 200 species, most of which can tolerate full sun.
Therefore, this type of bromeliad is a good choice for those who live in areas with hot summers.
Neoregelia
These species are most often found in the rainforests of South America. They are known for growing in shady areas, but some species can tolerate more sun than others. Nerogelia has more then 100 species around the world. Among them “Neoregelia Fireball” is a good choice for those who live in areas with hot summers.
Alcantarea Imperialis
This bromeliad is native to the mountains of Brazil. It is known for its ability to tolerate the full sun and its love of heat. Also, it is one of the largest species of bromeliad, so it is a good choice for those who want a big plant.
Ananas Ananassoides
The rainforests of Brazil are a native place for ananas ananassoides. It is a type of bromeliad that can tolerate full sun.
This species is popular with another name, the pineapple plant. So, if you are searching for edible bromeliad, this is the best option.
Can Sunburn Damage the Genus of a Bromeliad Plant?
Sunburn may cause serious harm to the genus of a bromeliad plant. When exposed to excessive sunlight, the plant’s sensitive tissues can become damaged, impacting its overall health and growth. Protecting your bromeliad from sunburn is crucial to ensure its wellbeing. Providing adequate shade or moving it to a more suitable environment can prevent harm to the bromeliad genus explained.
How Much Sun Should Bromeliads Get?
The answer to this question depends on the type of bromeliad you have. Some bromeliads, such as the Aechmea fasciata, can tolerate full sun. While others, such as the Tillandsia cyanea, prefer filtered light or partial shade.
If you’re unsure how much sun your bromeliad can tolerate, it’s best to start with a spot that gets bright, indirect light. You can move your plant to a sunnier place if it doesn’t seem to be doing well. But be sure to do it gradually so the plant can adjust to the change.
Here are a few general tips for giving your bromeliad the right amount of sun –
- If your plant is blooming, keeping it in the same spot is best. Too much sun can cause the flowers to fade.
- If you live in a hot climate, it’s important to protect your bromeliad from the midday sun. The best way to do this is to place it under a tree or in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.
- In the winter, bromeliads can tolerate a little less light. But be sure to give them enough light, so they don’t become etiolated or stretchy.
- Bromeliads grown in pots will need to be moved around to get the right amount of sun. This is especially true for plants in greenhouses or under grow lights.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your bromeliad gets the right amount of sun.
Final Words
If your bromeliad gets sunburned, it’s essential to act quickly. Bromeliads are tropical plants, so they can’t tolerate much direct sunlight.
If your bromeliad starts to get reddish or brownish leaves, move it to a shadier spot. Sometimes the sunburn is severe, in that case, you may need to cut off some of the leaves.
Hope this helps you with bromeliad sunburn questions! Feel free to leave any further queries in the comments.
Resources:
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bromeliads/
- https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2019/08/12/a-full-sun-bromeliad/
- https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP337
