Troubleshooting
Bromeliad problems — and how to fix them
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae (various genera)) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Mother plant dying after flowering
Normal — the rosette dies after blooming, but pups carry the plant on.
Brown leaf tips
Tap-water minerals or low humidity.
Stagnant smell from the cup
Flush the cup weekly to prevent bacterial build-up.
No flower
Plant too young, or insufficient light. An apple in a bag around the plant releases ethylene and can trigger blooming.
Prevent bromeliad problems before they start
Most bromeliad issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bromeliad problems — FAQ
Why is my bromeliad mother plant dying after flowering?
Normal — the rosette dies after blooming, but pups carry the plant on.
Why is my bromeliad brown leaf tips?
Tap-water minerals or low humidity.
Why is my bromeliad stagnant smell from the cup?
Flush the cup weekly to prevent bacterial build-up.
Why is my bromeliad no flower?
Plant too young, or insufficient light. An apple in a bag around the plant releases ethylene and can trigger blooming.