Bromeliad Flower Death and Fungus Gnat Control

Bromeliad (Raphael neoregelia) flower turns black, soft, smelly. Expert Rick: after flowering, mother plant won't rebloom; offshoots take 1–3 years. Cut old flower, transplant offshoots (can root without roots). Water by weight. Bright light, no direct sun except morning.

Follow-up: fungus gnats in soil. Cause: overly wet soil. Fix: water by weight, let dry sufficiently. Safer soap soil drench, yellow sticky cards, teaspoon turf lime to raise pH. Consult local nursery with gnat sample.