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Why Is My Bromeliad Losing Color? (Read This First!)

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Having your bromeliad lose color can be quite attractive to look at. If you can detect the cause behind it then it will be easier for you to prevent it from happening permanently throughout the plant. 

Why is my bromeliad losing color?

Bromeliads have a small lifespan and the biggest reason your plant is losing its color is that after blooming it starts to fade out and lose life. Other reasons can also include that you are exposing your plant to way too much direct sunlight or overwatering your plant which can cause root rot.

It is not uncommon for bromeliads to lose color as it is a part of their normal lifespan process. However, if your bromeliad has never bloomed before and it has started to lose its color then it can be quite concerning. 

There is a myriad of issues you must look out for as losing its color can be a sign of the plant being in trouble and thus drying. These issues can often be tied to not being able to thrive in a condition that is not ideal for them. 

Why do bromeliads lose their color?

There can be various reasons to look out for if your bromeliad is losing its color.

Overexposure or underexposure to sunlight:

If you are exposing your plant to way too much sunlight or bright direct sunlight then it can start to damage your plant. You will notice that your plant will start to lose color and turn brown or even show up with brown spots on it. 

On the contrary, if you do not give your plant enough sunlight daily it will not thrive and thus be under stress which can also cause it to lose its beautiful color. 

Bright and indirect sunlight:

Keep your plant away from direct sunlight and only give it bright, filtered sunlight. The west side windows usually work the best and make sure your plant gets the proper amount of sunlight in a day. 

Overwater:

Your plant is more likely to survive a drought over excess watering. Excess moisture in the soil can cause the roots of your plant to even start rotting. This will result in your plant being unhappy and as a result, lose its color. 

Let your plant dry out:

Let the top inch of your soil dry out before watering your plant and ensure that your plant has a very good drainage system to avoid the soil being moist for way too long. 

If your roots have started rotting then ensure to cut off any rotten leaves or tissues and let your plant completely dry out before watering it again. 

Natural process:

It is very normal that once your bromeliad has bloomed it will start to lose its color and not be as lively anymore. They have quite a short lifespan. First, the flowers start to lose their color and eventually lose life then the plant itself may start to lose some color. 

Take better care:

It is not much you can do after it blooms except take better care of your plant. You can allow your plant to thrive for a little longer and prevent it from drying. It will also be enough for your plant to grow pups which you can save. 

Bromeliads fading: is it normal?

Bromeliad fading is very normal. They have a short lifespan and fading is a part of it. They only bloom once in their lifetime and after they bloom, the flower turns brown which indicates the start of their fade. Slowly the plant might start losing color too and turning brown. 

You can drag on their survival a bit further by taking very good care of your plant. 

How do you keep bromeliads colorful?

There are certain tips you can follow to help keep your bromeliad colorful and thriving.

Fertilizer:

Though bromeliads do not require fertilizers that much, you still can give them a calculated amount during their growing season. Not only will it help them thrive better, but it will also keep their color going.  

Light:

If you do not give your plant an abundance of sunlight it will start to lose its color. Ensure to expose your bromeliad to bright but indirect sunlight daily to restore their beautiful color. 

Environment:

Exposing them to a warm and humid environment will allow them to do better and keep them from losing their color. They love above average humidity levels so ensure to mist them regularly and keep your plant away from the air conditioner. 

Water:

Overwatering can cause harm to your plant and it can end up losing its color as a result. To prevent that from happening, only water your plant when the top inch of the soil has dried out. 

Why is my bromeliad turning yellow or brown?

There are some reasons you should look out for if your plant’s leaves have started to turn yellow or brown. 

Too much or too little sunlight:

If you give your plant too much direct sunlight it can end up scorching your plant and as a result, it will end up showing signs of brownness. Too little sunlight can also cause them to be unhappy and turn yellow. 

Indirect sunlight:

Give your plant indirect but bright sunlight daily to keep it thriving and prevent it from turning brown or losing color. 

Overwatering:

Bromeliads are not fond of too much moisture and too much water content in their soil can turn their leaves yellow. 

Water when dry:

Only water your plant when the top layer of the soil is dry and ensure that there is a proper drainage system so that excess water can leave the soil. 

Pests:

If your plant is weak then it is more prone to an invasion from pests. This can cause both browning or yellowing of the leaves. 

Pesticide:

Treat your plant with the proper pesticide and ensure to keep ideal conditions around your plant so that it is not susceptible to pest invasions. 

Do bromeliads turn green?

Yes, your bromeliad can turn green. This happens when your plant gets little to almost no sunlight. The survival response is by creating more chlorophyll by your plant as it is stressed. This can cause almost the entire plant to turn green. 

When this happens you must ensure to expose your plant to bright and filtered sunlight in abundance daily. 

Why do bromeliads turn red?

There is a type of bromeliad known as the blushing bromeliad. It is a natural response for it to start turning red when it is about to bloom so there is nothing to worry about. 

This is the aspect that is the most attractive about the plant and also the reason as to how it got its name from. 

How do I know if my bromeliad is drying?

When your plant is drying, there are some clear signs to look out for. 

Browning of the plant:

After your plant blossoms, it is natural for it to start browning slowly. Your plant has a short lifespan and this can indicate that your plant has lived its full life.

However, if the leaves have brown dots or your plant has not bloomed before then it means that your plant is not doing well.

Rotting smell:

If your plant has started to give off a rotten smell then it can often indicate that the roots of your plant are drying due to overwatering.

Yellow leaves:

Yellowing of leaves or leaves that fall off easily can also mean that ideal conditions are not met which is why your plant is not surviving well. 

How do you revive a drying bromeliad?

The best way to do so is by providing ideal conditions.

Bright sunlight:

Keep your bromeliad facing the west side window and ensure that it gets an abundance of filtered sunlight daily to keep it thriving. 

Water:

Water your plant only when the top layer of the soil is dry. If your plant is overwatered then let the soil dry out and cut off any rotten tissues or leaves. Also, ensure that your plant has an efficient drainage system.

Humidity:

Your plant will work the best in 60% humidity levels and a warm environment since it is a tropical plant. They like a temperature around seventy degrees to thrive. You must ensure that the temperature does not drop below fifty degrees. 

You should also keep a humidifier around or you can also mist your plant daily to help restore its beauty. 

Final Thoughts:

Losing color is not unusual for bromeliads after blooming. However, if your plant has not bloomed before then ensure to provide it with its ideal conditions before it’s too late. As long as the roots have not fully rotten it is not that difficult to restore the color of your bromeliad.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Are Bromeliad Leaves Curling & Turning Brown, Yellow?

Are Bromeliads a Succulent?

How Long Does a Bromeliad Flower Last?

Do Bromeliads Live After Flowering? Do They Rebloom?

Do Bromeliads Like Humidity?

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