Question
The cup of our bromeliad has turnede brown, is it from too much water or letting it dry out?  We only got the plant and watered it once.  Do we also water the dirt around the plant?

Answer
Hi Susan,

In nature, Bromeliads receive their water through their cups in the daily rains of the tropical rain forest where they attach themselves to tree limbs. That is why many sources say to keep water in the cups.

However, when we plant them in soil in pots, then the soil has to be watered and the cups no longer need water. Unfortunately, this is not commonly understood.

Bromeliad flowers will last from 1 to 5 months depending on the environment. Once they die back, the plant itself very, very slowly (over the course of a year or more) also starts to die back. However, it perpetuates itself by putting out a baby plant at its base, called an offset, that will develop into a new plant.

I am not sure just where your Bromeliad is in its life cycle so I am not sure why the cup is turning brown. It is possible that it has turned brown prematurely if the soil has gotten completely dried out or if it is in poor light.

Put it on a sunny windowsill and water the soil as soon as the top inch gets dry.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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