crown rot on Bromeliad
Quick answer
If your Bromeliad has crown rot, the most likely cause is: Crown rot (center rot) in bromeliads is caused by Erwinia and other bacterial pathogens that enter the central cup tissue, particularly when water in the tank becomes stagnant or when the plant is exposed to cold temperatures below 60°F. The rot typically begins at the center of the rosette and spreads outward, causing the inner leaves to turn black, mushy, and emit a foul odor. The plant's growing point (apical meristem) is located in the center and is highly vulnerable to bacterial colonization.
Start here:
- 1. Empty the central cup immediately if water appears cloudy or has debris
- 2. Scoop out any blackened, mushy leaf tissue from the center with a sterile spoon
Why Bromeliad gets crown rot
Bromeliaceae spp.
Crown rot (center rot) in bromeliads is caused by Erwinia and other bacterial pathogens that enter the central cup tissue, particularly when water in the tank becomes stagnant or when the plant is exposed to cold temperatures below 60°F. The rot typically begins at the center of the rosette and spreads outward, causing the inner leaves to turn black, mushy, and emit a foul odor. The plant's growing point (apical meristem) is located in the center and is highly vulnerable to bacterial colonization.
How to reverse crown rot on Bromeliad
- 1
Empty the central cup immediately if water appears cloudy or has debris
- 2
Scoop out any blackened, mushy leaf tissue from the center with a sterile spoon
- 3
Flush the cup with a 10% hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part peroxide to 9 parts water) to kill surface bacteria
- 4
Refill the cup with fresh distilled water after the peroxide flush
- 5
If the growing point (center) is fully black and mushy, the plant cannot be saved — propagate from healthy pups
- 6
Separate any viable pups from the rotting mother and treat them as described in the pup propagation guide
Keep crown rot off this Bromeliad
Always use fresh distilled or rainwater in the central cup; flush and refill weekly; never allow stagnant water to sit for more than 2 weeks; maintain temperatures above 60°F.