Why the Leaves of the Bromeliad (Guzmania) Turn Yellow and Curl, and Why the Roots Rot: Causes and Solutions
Speaking of the Guzmania, everyone must be quite familiar with it, because many people grow it in their shops, companies or homes, not only because its appearance is very beautiful, but also because its name sounds especially auspicious and carries excellent symbolism. But some flower lovers report that after growing a Guzmania for a while, its leaves turn yellow and curl, which looks very unattractive. So how should this be handled?
What to Do When the Leaves of a Guzmania Turn Yellow and Curl (Causes and Solutions)
1. Temperature too high or too low
The Guzmania lives in a warm, humid environment. The suitable growing temperatures are: 21-28°C during the day, 18-21°C at night, and the maximum temperature must not exceed 35°C. High temperatures are unfavorable for the growth of the Guzmania, but being in a 10°C environment for a long time also easily causes slow plant growth, and the leaves or bracts turning red or white and losing their color. At this point, anti-freeze and cold-protection agents should be sprayed to prevent the temperature from continuing to drop and causing the plant to die.
2. Too much or too little watering
Although the Guzmania likes a humid environment, it is enough to keep the potting soil moist on ordinary days, and generally no watering is done on rainy days. For home care, it is best to use water that has been left to stand, rather than watering directly with tap water. The Guzmania is a flower that offers both flowers and foliage to enjoy, so it is best to spray the leaf surfaces with clean water once a day to remove dust, make the leaf color bright, and at the same time help photosynthesis and promote robust plant growth.
If watered too much, the potting soil being wet for a long time will cause a lack of oxygen in the soil and eventually lead to root rot. Because normal respiration and the absorption of water and nutrients are hindered, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. After being affected, the young leaves first turn pale yellow, and then the old leaves gradually turn yellow as well. When this happens, watering should be controlled immediately, fertilizing should be suspended, and the soil should be loosened frequently to keep it well aerated.
3. Pests and diseases or improper control
In an environment with too high temperature or humidity and poor ventilation, the Guzmania is prone to pest and disease damage, and at this time the leaves also easily show signs of yellowing or curling. However, if the pesticide concentration used for pest and disease control is too high, or the plant is polluted by toxic gases in the air, or it is suddenly watered with cold water when the temperature is high, all of these easily cause the leaf tips or part of the leaf surface to turn yellow and scorch, or even the whole plant to wither and die. Therefore, attention should be paid to the reasonable use of pesticides, and efforts should be made to eliminate sources of air pollution.
What to Do When the Roots of a Guzmania Rot
1. Watering problems
Cause: This plant likes a slightly humid environment, but this does not mean the more water the better. If the roots of the plant are left soaking for a long time in soil with a very high water content, it is very likely to cause root rot, which then shows on the outside as yellowing or falling leaves. If this continues, the entire plant may die.
Solution: If this is the reason, we need to adjust the watering. Generally speaking, during its vigorous growing season, watering once a week is enough. In addition, water should not be poured directly onto the soil, but rather poured from top to bottom, letting the water slowly penetrate into the soil. Of course, the amount of water at one time should not be too much either.
2. Fertilizing problems
Cause: Root rot may also be caused by topdressing that is too heavy.
Solution: When topdressing, we need to adjust according to the temperature. If the temperature is high, then it is not suitable to do so.
How Often to Water a Guzmania
Watering does not need to be particularly frequent. Although it likes moisture, we must pay close attention. Generally speaking, we should water in the morning and must not do it in the middle of the night, especially in winter. Usually, we should water once every week, because this is equivalent to waiting until the water has completely dried up.
In summer we need to do it every day, in order to make the air less dry, and besides, it can also prevent the leaves and branches from withering. Because the temperature at this time is relatively high and rather muggy, it is very prone to scorching at this time. In winter, watering cannot be too much; generally an interval of ten or fifteen days is needed.
How to Water a Guzmania
There is a particular way to go about where we water. Generally speaking, watering into the leaf cup is the correct approach. Because it likes moisture, we need to keep plenty of water in there, and in addition, the soil also needs to stay moist.
When watering, we cannot use tap water. If only tap water is available, then it should be left in the sun for a few days before use, and watering should start from the top. When it is dormant in winter, moisture needs to be controlled, and this can be changed to sprinkling water on its leaves.
When watering, also keep in mind that we cannot just pour it into the pot; the order to follow is from top to bottom, so that absorption is better, and if there is no water in the cup, its leaves easily turn yellow.
As described above, everyone knows that green plants, besides having bright and elegant flowers, also look beautiful and fresh with emerald-green, smooth leaves. If the leaves turn yellow and curl, the impact on the appearance of the whole pot of flowers is especially great, so if the leaves turn yellow, the cause should be found promptly and then solved right away!