Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
- Smell the soil for a foul or rotting odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the plant feels soft or mushy to the touch. The leaves may start to collapse or turn yellow at the bottom.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the damage is severe, remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits in the bottom of the pot for days after watering. The soil smells sour or musty.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer of standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your guzmania bromeliad
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
If the base of the plant is mushy and the leaves are falling off, the plant is likely beyond saving. Act quickly if you see any signs of decay.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and never let the plant sit in standing water.
Guzmania Bromeliad: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your guzmania bromeliad and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How often should I water my Guzmania?
- Water every 7 to 14 days depending on your home temperature. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more.
- Is it okay to keep the cup full?
- Yes, keeping the central cup filled is good, but make sure the soil itself is not constantly soaking wet.
More problems with Guzmania Bromeliad
- Why are my Guzmania's leaf tips turning brown?
- What are these white cottony spots on my Guzmania?
- Why is my Guzmania bromeliad not flowering?
- Why are my Guzmania's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Guzmania drooping?
- Why are there spots on my Guzmania leaves?
- Why is my Guzmania growing tall and leggy?
- Why are my Guzmania leaves curling?
Back to the Guzmania Bromeliad guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.