Bromeliad plants are interesting because they look kind of like pineapples when you view them from the right angle. This is a quirky type of plant that many people like to keep around because of how different it is.
In this case, being different certainly isn’t a bad thing. These plants are charming and they’re actually really easy to take care of overall.
The growing popularity of bromeliad plants might be attributed to the fact that they’re good for beginners. You don’t have to be an amazing gardener to be able to care for this houseplant.
That doesn’t mean that bromeliad plants can’t experience problems, though. Some people have noted that their plants have experienced issues such as leaf curling.
If your bromeliad plant’s leaves are curling inward right now, then you might be wondering what went wrong. Keep reading to learn about what can cause this to happen, as well as what you can do to try to fix things.
1 – Watering Issues
The most common cause of leaf curling in bromeliad plants has to do with watering issues. More specifically, the leaves will start to curl when the plant isn’t getting enough water.
Simply start checking the bromeliad plant more often to see if it needs water. You can check the soil to see if it has started to get dry, and if it has, then it’ll be time to water it.
It’s also worth noting that you should try to use the right type of water when watering this houseplant. You see, bromeliad plants can have negative reactions when watered with tap water that contains chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine.
It’s best to use rainwater that you’ve collected if you’re willing to put in the effort. Most people don’t have the time for that, though, and using distilled water that you buy from the store will be perfectly acceptable.
2 – Overly Dry Air
Another problem that could be causing your bromeliad plant to have its leaves curl is dry air. These plants don’t do well when they’re kept in homes that are very dry.
It might be a good idea to measure the humidity level of your home so that you can see where things stand. If you happen to be below 40% humidity, then that’s almost surely what’s causing the bromeliad plant’s leaves to curl.
The best way to fix this issue is to simply increase the humidity in your home. There are many ways that you can do this, but the easiest way is to simply buy a humidifier.
You can get a small humidifier that is specifically meant to be placed in the room where you’re keeping your houseplants. It might also be a good idea to get a large humidifier since it can be beneficial to improve the humidity levels in your home when it’s really dry during the winter.
3 – Temperature Issues
Temperature issues can sometimes cause leaf curl problems with bromeliad plants. You’ll find that these plants like the weather to be a bit hot, and this means that they thrive in temperatures that range from 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If it’s getting cooler or hotter than that in your house, then that might be making the leaves curl. It’s also true that sudden changes in temperature can upset the plant and this might cause it to have a reaction like this.
Do you have your plant near a drafty window or a heating vent? Perhaps the bromeliad plant was placed too close to an air conditioner or something like that.
Try to keep an eye on the temperature in your house to see if temperature fluctuations could be causing the leaves of the plant to curl. If your home is way too hot or way too cold, then this could be a possibility.
It’s also wise to find a spot for the plant where the temperatures will be stable. This means keeping it away from drafty doors, drafty windows, heating vents, and air conditioning units.
4 – Too Much Sun
Too much sunlight can wind up being a problem for bromeliad plants as well. In some instances, bromeliad plants that have received too much direct sunlight will experience leaf curling issues.
Direct sunlight is simply too much for these houseplants. They have leaves that are a bit on the delicate side, and you might see them start to curl if you’re putting them in direct sunlight too often.
You’ll also be able to see that the leaves will be a bit brown. This is a sign that the leaves are scorched due to too much sun exposure.
The simple solution to this issue is to give your bromeliad plant indirect sunlight instead. At least 10 hours of bright indirect sunlight can help this plant to thrive, and you should be able to turn things around if you act now.
5 – Copper Exposure
This next possibility might sound odd at first, but it can truly be bad for bromeliad plants. If the plant has been exposed to copper in some way, then you might notice that the plant will have its leaves start to curl.
Don’t use copper products near these plants. This is a plant that is quite sensitive to metals and copper can be very toxic to this plant.
You might have been using a copper watering can without realizing the harm that it can do. Be very careful about the types of tools that you’re using when caring for this houseplant in the future.
6 – The Bromeliad Could Be Reaching the End of Its Life
Finally, you should know that bromeliad plants will have their leaves curl when they’re near the end. These plants will live for somewhere between two and three years.
If you’ve had your bromeliad plant for more than two years, then it could simply be time for the plant to die. When this happens, the leaves will start curling and they will also turn brown.
It’s usually not too hard to tell when a bromeliad plant is dying naturally. You can’t stop this and you’ll just have to accept that it happens before purchasing a new one.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.
Barb
Friday 7th of January 2022
Hi, I’m super confused. Just before or as a flower is appearing the upper leaves turn red. Why is that happening?