Bromeliads are a dream to put into any room of your home if you are looking to feel as if you are in a tropical destination.
They literally just need ample water, warmth, the right potting soil, and a copious amount of sunlight pouring into your room where they reside.
Unfortunately, however, there are times that your bromeliads may experience disease or symptoms of diseases, including instances of their leaves curling in some form.
You can take care of this symptom though and get your beautiful, tropical plant back to a healthy state of existence for you to enjoy.
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Why Does my Bromeliad Have Curly Leaves?
Underwatering is the primary cause of curly leaves of this plant, as they can become dehydrated very easily. You also do not want to give your Bromeliad too much water as this can cause the root and the stem to become rotten over time. Make sure they have the right amount of moisture, and you will most likely prevent curling leaves, though there could be other causes. Thankfully, if your bromeliad has curling leaves, it is a very resilient plant and will be able to spring back.
Reasons for Curling Leaves on Your Bromeliad
Some forms of the Bromeliad do have naturally occurring curls, though if the curling becomes extreme, it is abnormal.
The most common cause is dehydration, but you can read about more causes and dehydration in the information provided to you below.
Dehydration
Since dehydration is the most obvious cause of curled leaves on your Bromeliad, it is important to start with this.
You do not have to oversoak your plant, however, as this will also cause root rot, especially if water collects without being able to be drained over time.
These plants are naturally from the tropical regions of the world, which come with high amounts of moisture from the number of storms and the moisture in the air.
Low Humidity
Being that the Bromeliad is from tropical environments, it will also show signs of curling leaves with low amounts of humidity.
You may be the most comfortable in your home with low humidity, but these plants need and thrive off of the moisture in the air.
Try to place your plant in an area of your home that has high amounts of humidity and that still has access to sunlight.
This will also help your soil to stay moist so that the plant can remain hydrated over time as well.
Not Watering in the Right Place
If your home is naturally humid, you do not need to water your Bromeliad as much as others do.
When you do water your plant though, there is a specific place that you want the water to go into so that the roots receive the hydration that they need.
If you do not allow the water to go into the natural cups that are found at the bottom of many of the leaves, you will likely experience curling leaves.
That said, always make sure that the middle of the flower and the cups are full of water so that they can grow.
Solving the Problems Associated With Curling Leaves
The Bromeliad is extremely resilient, so if you notice the curling leaves quickly, you will be able to fix the problem. Follow the steps below to see if you can solve the problem that you are seeing.
Increase Humidity
You can start by increasing the humidity in your home for your Bromeliad to see if this resolves the leaves curling.
Consider installing a humidifier in the room of your home where the houseplant is in order to increase the humidity in a natural manner.
You can also place the houseplant in a space in your home that has a high amount of humidity.
Consider the bathroom, for instance, where you can place the Bromeliad and have it sitting near the window so that it can receive the bright light and the warmth from the sun.
Do not allow your plant to reside in the basement for a short time though this may be the most humid part of your home. It will not receive the light that it needs to thrive and to develop new blooms so that you can enjoy multiple adult plants.
Increase Water
You also need to try to increase the water that your Bromeliad receives on a daily basis if your home is not especially humid.
The pot that you have your houseplant is in should be able to drain easily so that it does not become overly wet either.
This will help your plant retain just the right amount of water so that it will bloom into the beautiful bright colors that it is capable of.
If your plant is already dehydrated, you can submerge it completely in water for up to about 50 minutes at a time.
After this, resume giving it water on a normal basis, and it should be able to hold the water as it is supposed to without becoming dehydrated again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Curly Leaves on Bromeliads
Do the Curly Leaves Resolve Themselves?
After you give the Bromeliad the moisture that it needs, it will not require you to replace the leaves by allowing new ones to grow. You can keep the curly leaves on the plant, and they should resolve to their normal status once moisture is sent through the plant.
What is the Difference Between Normal and Unhealthy Curl?
As mentioned, some types of the Bromeliad have natural curls to their leaves in that they almost look like a tube of sorts and that is just part of their design. You should be concerned if your plant suddenly developed these curling leaves or if the leaves are beginning to discolor to yellow or to brown.
Final Thoughts
Bromeliads are unique plants to add to your home that have unique shapes, bright colors, and give off a certain aura of being at the islands or at some tropical destination.
Though many call them easy to care for, they can be difficult when you are looking to ensure they receive the right amount of water for their needs.
If a Bromeliad does not receive the right amount of moisture, it can receive curling leaves, which can even eventually kill the plant if the leaves are allowed to brown all the way.e
Be sure that your Bromeliad is receiving the humidity and the daily watering that it needs, along with its sunlight and nutrients from fertilizer and soil, to thrive so that you can enjoy seeing it every day.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.