If the bottom leaves on your bromeliad are dying, it could be because you’re watering it too much. They come from tropical climates and prefer to be on the drier side.
Another reason the bottom leaves might be dying is because of too much direct sunlight. And when a bromeliad blooms, it uses a lot of energy.
Once the blooming is finished, the bottom leaves die off so that the plant can focus its energy on new growth.
In this post, we’ll discuss various reasons why the bottom leaves on your neoregelia bromeliad might be dying and what you can do about it.
What Could Be Causing Your Neoregelia Bromeliad Bottom Leaves to Die?
There may be a few causes if you notice that the bottom leaves of your neoregelia bromeliad are dying.
Getting Too Much Direct Light
The lowest leaves of your bromeliad will start to turn yellow, then brown, and eventually die if it receives too much direct sunlight.
The amount of light a bromeliad needs depends on the species, but most prefer filtered light or indirect sunlight.
Getting Too Much Water
If you’re giving your bromeliad too much water, you’ll notice that the bottom leaves will start to turn yellow and eventually die. The leaves will also be mushy to the touch.
If you think you’re giving your bromeliad too much water, try letting the potting mix dry out completely before watering again.
Not Getting Enough Humidity
Your Neoregelia bromeliad’s bottom leaves may be dying as a result of not receiving adequate humidity.
The leaves on the bottom of the plant are the oldest, and they will die first if the plant is not getting enough moisture.
Pests
One of the most common causes of bromeliad leaves dying is pests. Check the leaves of your plant for any small bugs or spider mites.
These pests can suck the nutrients out of the leaves, causing them to turn brown and die.
Disease
Bromeliads can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as root rot or leaf spot.
These diseases can cause the leaves to turn brown and die.
When a Bromeliad Blooms
The bromeliad flower is actually a modified leaf called a bract. The bract is brightly colored and very showy, and it encloses the flower buds.
Once the flower blooms, the plant produces offsets or pups, and then the bract dies. These pups are clones of the parent plant, and they eventually mature and bloom as well.
The blooming process uses up a lot of the plant’s energy, and as a result, the bottom leaves of the plant often die.
Is the Bottom Leaf Dying a Common Issue for Neoregelia Bromeliads?
Neogoreli bromeliad bottom leaves wilting can be a common issue. This could indicate overwatering, underwatering, or lack of proper drainage. Maintaining a balance in watering, providing indirect light, and ensuring good air circulation can help prevent the bottom leaves from dying. Regularly removing dead leaves can also promote a healthier neogoreli bromeliad.
How to Prevent Neoregelia Bromeliad Bottom Leaves from Dying?
Neoregelias are gorgeous, low-maintenance plants that add a touch of tropical flair to any indoor space.
But if you’re not careful, you may notice that the bottom leaves of your bromeliad start to die off. Here’s how to prevent that from happening –
Increase Moisture for Your Plant
Neoregelia bromeliads are native to humid tropical environments and require regular misting to prevent their bottom leaves from drying out and dying.
If the leaves of your plant are starting to brown and curl, it is likely due to a lack of moisture.
Try misting the leaves daily or setting the pot in a tray of water to help raise the humidity around the plant.
Potting Mix
It’s important to use a potting mix that drains well and doesn’t stay too wet.
Neoregelia bromeliads are native to tropical climates and prefer a potting mix that is high in organic matter.
A good potting mix for neoregelia bromeliads should be loose and airy.
Put Fertilizer
You should fertilize your Neoregelia bromeliad frequently to keep it looking its best.
Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for houseplants, and apply it according to the package directions.
Water Properly
Neoregelia bromeliads are native to tropical regions and prefer high humidity. They are often found in the crooks of trees, where they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and rainwater.
In the home, you can replicate this environment by watering your plant thoroughly, allowing the water to run through the leaves and down into the cup at the center of the plant.
Be sure to empty the cup of any standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce Direct Sunlight
The best way to prevent your neoregelia bromeliad bottom leaves from dying is to reduce the amount of direct sunlight it’s getting.
If you notice that the leaves are starting to turn yellow or brown, move the plant to a spot that gets less sun.
Control the temperature
The bromeliad neoregelia prefers temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature dips below 60 degrees, the leaves will start to die.
If you live in an area with cooler temperatures, you can try growing the bromeliad in a pot so that you can bring it indoors when the temperature drops.
Apply Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil
Mix 1 teaspoon of insecticidal soap or neem oil with 1 quart of water. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray the plant, being sure to coat the undersides of the leaves.
Repeat every 7-10 days as needed. You can also try using a systemic insecticide.
These are applied to the soil and taken up by the plant to protect the entire plant from pests.
Apply Fungicide
If you see brown spots or other discoloration on the leaves of your neoregelia bromeliad, this is a sign that the plant is infected with a fungus.
To treat the plant, you will need to apply a fungicide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Remove Affected Leaves
If you notice that the bottom leaves of your neoregelia bromeliad are dying, remove them as soon as possible. This will help prevent the spread of the problem to the rest of the plant.
Final Say
In conclusion, there are a few possible reasons why your Neoregelia bromeliad bottom leaves may be dying. It is essential to figure out what is causing the problem so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Resources:
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/bromeliads/
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bromeliads/
- https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/archive/2016/v22n1.pdf
