Bromeliads are tropical plant that is known for their unique appearance. Many people choose to grow bromeliads as houseplants because they are relatively easy to care for.
However, sometimes bromeliads can develop a lean. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as incorrect watering, lack of humidity, or too much sun.
If your Bromeliad is leaning, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to help correct the problem.
In this post, we’ll discuss the reasons why bromeliads lean and how to fix the problem.
Top 7 Reasons Why Is Your Bromeliad Leaning
Although they are generally simple to care for, bromeliads occasionally experience issues. They can start to lean to one side, which is a common problem. Your Bromeliad may be leaning for a number of reasons.
1. You May Have a “Child” Plant
Houseplants like bromeliads are frequently offered for sale, and they look fantastic in any interior setting. Nevertheless, a lot of people are unaware that bromeliads may also create “Offsets” or “Pups.”
Around the plant’s base, little tiny clones of the parent plant develop. Your Bromeliad is probably slouching since it has given birth to one or more puppies, and the plant is hunching due to its weight.
2. The Pot Is Too Small
This is probably the most common reason your Bromeliad is leaning. The roots have nowhere to go but up when the pot is too small.
As a result, the plant will try to reach for the light, causing it to lean.
3. The Pot Is Top-Heavy
Your Bromeliad will naturally lean to one side if it is in a top-heavy pot.
Especially if the pot is constructed of a material that is heavier than the plant itself, the weight of the pot may cause the Bromeliad to lean.
4. The Plant Is Too Wet
If you notice that your Bromeliad is leaning over, it could be because the plant is too wet.
The roots of the plant are not able to get the air they need, and this can cause the plant to start to lean.
5. The Plant Is Too Dry
Because they are a native to tropical rainforests, bromeliads require routine watering to remain healthy.
Your plant will begin to wilt and lean to one side if it is not receiving enough water.
This is a regular issue in households where individuals frequently neglect to water their plants.
6. Not Getting Enough Light
Bright, filtered light is essential for bromeliad growth. Your plant will begin to tilt toward the light source in an effort to acquire lighter if it is not receiving enough of it.
This is a typical issue in houses where individuals frequently place their plants in shadowy areas.
7. Not Getting Enough Nutrients
It may not be getting enough nutrition if your Bromeliad is leaning. There may not be enough fertilizer, or the plant may be receiving too much water, which can leach nutrients from the soil.
Try fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer and giving it less water if you suspect this might be the issue.
Can a Bromeliad leaning be a sign that it is no longer an epiphyte?
Can a Bromeliad leaning be a sign that it is no longer an epiphyte? When a bromeliad begins to lean, it could indicate that it has lost its epiphytic nature. This could be due to factors such as root damage or inadequate support. Monitoring the plant’s growth and providing appropriate care is essential to ensure its well-being as a bromeliad as an epiphyte.
How Can You Fix Your Bromeliad’s Leaning?
If your Bromeliad is leaning, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
Check the Roots
The first thing you need to do is check the roots. If the roots are healthy, they will be white and firm.
If the roots are brown or mushy, they are probably rotting, and you will need to replant your Bromeliad.
Check the Potting Mix
The Bromeliad may lean if the potting soil is excessively dense. The mixture ought to be airy, light, and well-draining.
Check the Pot
A leaning bromeliad can also result from a small pot. The container needs to be large enough to allow the roots to spread out.
Stake the Plant
If the Bromeliad is still leaning, you can try staking it. Use a bamboo stake or something similar, and tie the plant to the stake with some soft ties.
Be careful not to tie too tightly, as this can damage the plant.
Move the Plant
You might need to relocate the plant to a sunnier location if it is still sagging.
Bright, filtered light is essential for bromeliad growth. The plant will become lanky and incline toward the light if it is placed in too much shade.
Fertilizer
As light feeders, bromeliads don’t require a lot of fertilizer. In actuality, too much fertilizer might harm the plant’s roots.
If you do decide to fertilize your Bromeliad, apply an all-purpose fertilizer half-strength solution once a month.
Temperature
Warm temperatures, between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit, are preferred for bromeliads.
In order to keep your plant warm enough if you live in a colder region, you might need to position it next to a heat source or in a greenhouse.
By following these tips, you should be able to fix your Bromeliad leaning problem.
Final Say
There are a few reasons why your Bromeliad may be leaning. The most common reason is that it is not getting enough light. Other reasons include too much water, not enough water, or not enough nutrients.
Luckily, there are some easy fixes for each of these problems. By moving your Bromeliad to a spot with more light, giving it more or less water, or feeding it more often, you can help your plant to stand up straight again. We hope you found this information helpful. Thank you for reading!
Resources:
- https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/keyword/tree-staking/
- https://aeps.calpoly.edu/leaning-pine-arboretum
- https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1318&title=growing-indoor-plants-with-success
