Bromeliad Diseases Overview
Bromeliad Plant Family Diseases Information Overview
Many problems commonly attributed to diseases are the result of unfavorable growing conditions. Low temperatures (40°F and below) and over watering can cause the crown of many bromeliads to rot. Also, plants subjected to mechanical injury, insects or sunburn may be invaded by one of many fungi. This invasion usually appears as a dark spot on the leaf, either with sunken or water-soaked areas and frequently with a radiating yellow area.
A wide variety of diseases are reported on bromeliads, but with decent culture most growers find the plants to be relatively pathogen free. Pythium root rot is common when plants are over watered or if the mix too absorbent. Dry the plants down, go to a less absorbent mix in the future, and drench with Subdue (metalaxyl). Fusarium and Rhizoctonia can also cause root rot under similar conditions to Pythium. Usually, a drench with one of the thiophanate methyl fungicides helps control it. Helminthosporium is a common fungal leaf spot on Aechmea and other varieties. Good moisture management and sprays of Dithane (mancozeb) are helpful.
Neoregelia is sometimes attacked by Cephaleuros virescens, an algal leaf spot. This is very difficult to control, though sprays with quaternary ammonium materials, such as Physan, may be helpful. When excessively moist, many bromeliads suffer from edema, where excessive moisture exudes from the older leaves, leaving leaf spot symptoms behind. Maintaining steady moisture levels and a consistent greenhouse environment avoids this. Problems with viruses and nematodes are extremely rare.
For severe infections or where large numbers of plants are involved, chemical control may be needed. For recommendations on selection and application of fungicides, contact your county agriculture extension agent.
Bromeliad Diseases Information
May 20, 2006
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Wendy Jobberns posted on July 27, 2006:
A friend of mine has a black spot infestation in her bromeliads, she has given me one that has black spot and I have quarantined it. Is there anything that I can treat it with, also what causes the problem. Thankyou
Wendy Jobberns
Dr. Don Hardisty posted on August 8, 2006:
We purchased three large flowering, orange colored bromeliads and the color of the flowers were quite brilliant. First, we put them on our covered, east exposure porch where they only obtained about an hour of morning sun. Then with winds causing problems, I took them into our indoor sorarium that is cooled in New Mexico with swamp coolers giving off sufficient humidity for the plants in this large, high ceiling room. I placed the bromeliads in three different places with varying light, mostly sky light and then about 30 minutes of evening Western sun. No matter where they are moved, they all seem to be loosing the orange color in the flower turning to light greenish color. The long green leaves look OK. I have only kept water in the cups about once each week. Please tell me how to keep the color in the flowers? Thank you, Dr. Don Hardisty, Las Cruces NM email: don@donsbossons.com
admin posted on August 10, 2006:
@Wendy - Black spots or soft rotting spots are usually caused by fungus or disease (although Bromeliads rarely get diseases). Sometimes a yellowish color can also appear in the center of the spot.
To get rid of the rot just cut all rot or damaged area away with a sharp tool and treat the Bromeliad with a good quality fungicide (be sure to follow manufacturers instructions).
Wash all the tools you use and anything that comes in contact with the fungus to prevent spreading it to other plants.
Rotting or fungus is typicall attributed to sudden drops in temperature, high or low light conditions, mechanical injury or insect damage.
admin posted on August 10, 2006:
@Dr. Don - Refer to this post Blooming Bromleiads Again and decide what the best option is for you and your plants. It is not uncommon for older plants to loose color and fade. All you need to do is bloom it again and again for long lasting color (it typically takes extra care to bloom a bromeliad from a pup).
Pat Newman posted on August 15, 2006:
I have just purchased the most beautiful Bromeliad plant but I have a white film on the leaves. Please email a solution. Thanks
June posted on February 23, 2007:
One of my students gave me a bromeliad for Christmas and I love it. The problem is that the colorful part died and is now brown. What should I do? I water it every week and I re-potted it in a larger planter and it sits in the kitchen window where it gets a little bit of indirect light. HELP!
Judy Gonzalez posted on October 14, 2007:
I have a beautiful violet Bromeliad that has flourished and brought my home much beauty but I noticed about a week ago that the soil in the pot is covered with a white film as is the base of the plant’s leaves. To make matters worse, one morning last week it sprouted a large amount of white mushroom looking things that we immediately removed from the pot. This has now occurred a second time. Despite this malady it has also sprouted a youngster! The plant looks very healthy but I have quarantined it for fear that my other plants may become infected with this fungus. Is the fungal treatment good for the growth of mushrooms also? I want to separate the two plants as the baby is growing very rapidly but I’m afraid I will kill the entire plant if I do this. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Sara posted on December 8, 2007:
I purchased a bromeliad and it already had a lovely colored bloom. However, the bloom is dying and the leaves are still green and vibrant. Am I losing the entire plant or does the bloom die off and another grow back in it’s place? If the plant is still good without the bloom, how do I remove the dead bloom without hurting the core or the remainder of the plant? HELP
Linda Arseneau posted on January 2, 2008:
I need some help. My bomeliads is rotting at the core! I have cut it down and replanted it in a bigger pot. It has a smell of fish. What else can i do to help it?
Thank you
Linda
Jim McCarthy posted on February 6, 2008:
I have had a Bromeliad plant. Do the pups have to be removed and replanted? The mother plant flower has died, how should it be pruned, and will another flower regrow?
Please e mail me for help.
Monika posted on February 7, 2008:
I bought a big vase with 5 bromeliads in it last summer. Now, 8-9 months later, the colorful part (flowers) died and are totally dry and brown. Most of the leaves are still beautiful and green though. What should I do? Please help me with any ideas or solutions. Many thanks in advance.