What to Do When the Leaves of a Bromeliad (Guzmania) Turn Yellow? Causes and Solutions
The bromeliad (Guzmania) is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. Because its flower core is bright red when it blooms, it is called "Hongyun Dangtou" (Good Fortune Overhead), a very festive plant with an excellent symbolic meaning. But if yellowing leaves appear during cultivation, that is somewhat disappointing. So what should we do when the leaves of a bromeliad turn yellow?
Yellow leaves on a bromeliad are mostly caused by problems that arise during cultivation. It may be a change in temperature, or a problem with watering. Of course, factors such as fertilizer and light will also have a certain influence. Below, Qinnong Web will introduce the main reasons that cause yellowing of bromeliad leaves as well as some treatment measures.
1. Unsuitable temperature
The bromeliad likes a warm and humid environment. The most suitable growing temperature is 21-28°C, and the maximum temperature must not be higher than 30°C. If the temperature is too high, it may cause the bromeliad to grow slowly; if it is too low, the leaves or bracts may lose color, turning red or white.
Treatment:
In winter, if the bromeliad shows poor growth due to excessively low temperature, you can spray an anti-freeze and cold-protection agent and appropriately raise the temperature of the growing environment; if the temperature is too high, ventilate and cool it down in a timely manner.
2. Improper watering
Too much or too little watering can both cause yellow leaves on the bromeliad. Too much watering easily causes water accumulation, and the plant will suffer root rot; if there is too little watering, it cannot meet the normal needs of plant growth.
Treatment:
Watering should be moderate, and the amount should be well controlled. You can add a small amount of water to the leaf cup; when watering is too little, this can serve as a supplement. Once a day, you can spray clean water on the leaf surface to remove dust, make the leaf color bright, and also strengthen the plant's photosynthesis to promote growth.
3. Improper fertilizing
Fertilizing is supplementing the plant's nutrients. When fertilizing is improper, it easily leads to yellow leaves, especially when nitrogen fertilizer is lacking, which will cause the bromeliad's branches and leaves to become weak, with thin and yellowing leaves. At the same time, if the bromeliad is in its flowering period, it also needs sufficient nutrients.
Treatment:
If yellow leaves are caused by fertilizer deficiency, then the plant needs to be repotted in a timely manner, replaced with new loose and fertile potting soil, and gradually given more diluted, decomposed liquid fertilizer or compound flower fertilizer; during the flowering period, fertilize once a week, and you can choose bean cake or fermented rice-washing water as the fertilizer.
4. Insufficient light
Whether the bromeliad's leaves can be bright in color and full depends greatly on light. Usually, the light duration in winter needs to be guaranteed at more than 4 hours; on cloudy and rainy days, lighting can be used to increase light; in summer, place the plant in a cool place and provide appropriate shade. As long as the light is suitable, the phenomenon of yellowing leaves will not appear.
The above is Qinnong Web's introduction to the related causes and treatment methods for yellowing leaves on the bromeliad. We hope it can be of some help to everyone. Qinnong Web has also previously introduced how to cultivate the bromeliad. Friends who are interested can also go and take a look; perhaps it will also be of some help to your cultivation.