If you notice that your Bromeliad is losing its color, there could be a few reasons.
They are tropical plants, so they need warm temperatures and lots of humidity to thrive. If your home is too dry, your Bromeliad’s leaves will start to turn brown and curl up.
They prefer bright, indirect light, so if yours is in a sunny spot, it may be scorching the leaves and causing the colors to fade.
They are susceptible to root rot, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why your Bromeliad might be losing its color and what you can do to help it regain its vibrant hue.
Why Is Your Bromeliad Losing Its Color? – Top 5 Reasons and Solutions
Bromeliads are beautiful, exotic plants that come in a wide range of colors, from bright reds and oranges to greens and blues.
But sometimes, your Bromeliad may start to lose its color, turning pale or even white. There are a few possible reasons for this.
Watering Issues
If you’re noticing that your Bromeliad leaves are beginning to turn brown and lose their vibrant color, it’s likely that you’re overwatering them.
Bromeliads are native to tropical regions and prefer to grow in moist, humid environments. However, they are susceptible to root rot if they are waterlogged.
When watering your Bromeliad, be sure to allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
You can check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the potting mix. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
Fertilizer Issues
Because they are light feeders, bromeliads don’t need a lot of fertilizer. However, you’re probably overfertilizing your plant if you notice that it is fading in color.
Use a fertilizer made exclusively for epiphytic plants when you fertilize your Bromeliad.
These plants are those that grow on other plants or objects.
Over-fertilizing with a fertilizer that is too high in nitrogen can burn the roots of the plant and cause the leaves to turn brown.
Light Issues
In tropical areas where they receive filtered sunshine, bromeliads are also native.
Your Bromeliad will start to lose its color if it is kept in a spot that is overly shaded.
Conversely, if it’s placed in an area that is too sunny, the leaves will begin to turn yellow or brown. To prevent this, place your Bromeliad in an area that receives indirect sunlight.
Temperature Issues
The ideal temperature range for bromeliads is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The leaves may turn brown and perish if the temperature falls below 50 degrees.
Also, the leaves may turn yellow if the temperature rises far above 80 degrees.
Pests and Diseases
Mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can harm bromeliads. The leaves may turn brown and yellow as a result of these bugs.
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant if you notice any pests there.
Additionally, they are prone to rot, so it’s crucial to make sure they are not submerged in water.
How Often Should Bromeliads Be Watered?
Bromeliads are a type of plant that originates from Central and South America. They are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, which makes them drought-tolerant.
However, this does not mean that they do not need to be watered. In fact, bromeliads need to be watered regularly in order to stay healthy.
So, how often should you water a bromeliad? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of Bromeliad, the climate, and the potting mix.
Type of Bromeliad
There are many different types of bromeliads, and each one has different watering needs. For example, some bromeliads (such as Aechmea bromeliads) have leaves that are very good at storing water.
These types of bromeliads can go for longer periods of time without being watered.
On the other hand, other types of bromeliads (such as Guzmania bromeliads) have leaves that are not as good at storing water. These types of bromeliads need to be watered more often.
Climate
The climate also plays a role in how often a bromeliad needs to be watered. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you will probably not need to water your Bromeliad as often.
On the other hand, if you live in an area with very little rainfall, you will need to water your Bromeliad more often.
Potting mix
The type of potting mix you use can also affect how often you need to water your Bromeliad. If you use a potting mix that drains well, you will need to water your Bromeliad more often.
On the other hand, if you use a potting mix that does not drain well, you will need to water your Bromeliad less often.
In general, bromeliads should be watered once a week.
However, as mentioned above, the frequency with which you water your Bromeliad will depend on the type of Bromeliad, the climate, and the potting mix.
What to Consider When Choosing a Fertilizer for Bromeliads?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a fertilizer for bromeliads. The type of Bromeliad, the time of year, and the growing conditions are all essential factors.
Type of Bromeliad
The type of Bromeliad will dictate the fertilizer needs. For example, epiphytic bromeliads grow in trees and get their nutrients from rainwater and decaying leaves. These plants don’t need much fertilizer. Terrestrial bromeliads grow in the ground and need more fertilizer.
Time of Year
Bromeliads have different fertilizer needs depending on the time of year. During the growing season, bromeliads need more fertilizer. During the dormant season, they require less.
Growing Conditions
Different fertilizer is required for bromeliads cultivated indoors versus outside. Generally speaking, indoor plants require less fertilizer than outdoor plants.
The best fertilizer for bromeliads is one that is high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus. Bromeliads grown in pots will need to be fertilized more often than those grown in the ground.
When choosing a fertilizer for bromeliads, be sure to read the label and follow the directions. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots and leaves of the plant.
Final Say
In conclusion, there are a few reasons why your Bromeliad might be losing its color.
It could be due to overwatering, lack of nutrients, or too much sunlight. Each of these can be easily fixed with some simple changes to your plant care routine.
Bromeliads should be watered about once a week, and they prefer a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. When choosing a fertilizer, be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions for the best results.
Resources:
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bromeliads/
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cryptanthus-bivittatus/
- https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/plantanswers/housepl/houseplt21.html
