Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Air plant leaves turning yellow or pale, starting from the base or tips, often accompanied by a soft, mushy texture Common Causes:

• Overwatering or trapped moisture in the base
• Poor air circulation around the plant
• Natural aging of lower leaves

Solutions:

• Reduce watering frequency to once per week maximum
• Shake excess water from the plant after soaking
• Ensure the plant dries completely within 4 hours of watering

Prevention: Always invert air plants after watering and provide adequate air circulation between the plant and bog wood

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf tips turning brown and crispy, progressing inward, leaves feeling dry and brittle to touch Common Causes:

• Underwatering or insufficient humidity
• Direct sunlight exposure
• Chemical sensitivity from tap water

Solutions:

• Increase misting frequency to 2-3 times per week
• Move to bright, indirect light location
• Switch to filtered or rainwater for watering

Prevention: Maintain 40-60% humidity levels and use only distilled, filtered, or rainwater for your air plant

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves curling inward, appearing limp and lifeless, loss of normal rigid structure Common Causes:

• Severe dehydration
• Temperature stress
• Root damage from excessive handling

Solutions:

• Submerge entire plant in room temperature water for 20-30 minutes
• Move to location with stable temperatures (65-80°F)
• Minimize handling and secure properly to bog wood

Prevention: Establish consistent watering schedule and monitor environmental conditions regularly

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Outer leaves detaching easily, falling off at the slightest touch, base becoming loose Common Causes:

• Rot at the base from water accumulation
• Natural lifecycle (after blooming)
• Extreme temperature fluctuations

Solutions:

• Remove affected leaves gently and improve air circulation
• If post-bloom, focus care on emerging pups
• Stabilize temperature between 65-80°F

Prevention: Never let water sit in the base of the plant and protect from temperature extremes

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: No new leaf growth for several months, existing leaves not expanding, overall plant size remaining static Common Causes:

• Insufficient light levels
• Lack of nutrients
• Poor mounting causing stress

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location with filtered sunlight
• Apply diluted bromeliad fertilizer monthly
• Remount securely without covering too much of the base

Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light for 12-16 hours daily and fertilize during growing season

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Leaves elongating abnormally, losing compact rosette shape, reaching toward light source Common Causes:

• Insufficient light intensity
• Uneven light distribution
• Natural growth pattern for some varieties

Solutions:

• Increase light exposure gradually
• Rotate plant weekly for even growth
• Consider supplemental grow lights

Prevention: Position in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent lighting conditions

Pest Problems

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf crevices and base of plant Damage Signs: Sticky residue, yellowing leaves, stunted growth Treatment:

• Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
• Rinse thoroughly with water
• Isolate infected plant immediately Prevention: Inspect new plants before introducing and maintain good air circulation

Scale Insects

Identification: Small, brown or tan oval bumps on leaves that don't move Damage Signs: Yellow spots on leaves, sticky honeydew secretion, overall decline Treatment:

• Manually remove with soft brush
• Apply neem oil solution weekly
• Prune heavily infested leaves Prevention: Regular inspection and quarantine new plants for 2 weeks

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red or brown specks, fine webbing between leaves Damage Signs: Silvery or bronze leaf discoloration, tiny holes in leaves Treatment:

• Spray with water to dislodge mites
• Apply insecticidal soap solution
• Increase humidity around plant Prevention: Maintain adequate humidity and regularly mist plants

Disease Issues

Fungal Rot

Symptoms: Black or brown soft spots at base, foul odor, mushy texture Causes: Excess moisture, poor air circulation, contaminated water Treatment:

• Remove all affected tissue with sterile scissors
• Apply cinnamon powder to cut areas
• Allow to dry completely before resuming care Prevention: Ensure complete drying between waterings and improve ventilation

Bacterial Soft Rot

Symptoms: Watery, smelly deterioration starting from center, rapid progression Causes: Water trapped in crown, high humidity with poor air flow Treatment:

• Remove infected portions immediately
• Treat with hydrogen peroxide solution
• Relocate to area with better air circulation Prevention: Never let water pool in center and maintain moderate humidity

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Base turning black or brown, soft and mushy texture, foul smell Identification: Gently tug plant - if it comes away easily from base, roots are compromised Treatment:

• Remove all rotted tissue with sterile tools
• Let dry for 24 hours before remounting
• Apply rooting hormone to encourage new growth Prevention: Allow plant to dry completely within 4 hours of watering

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots growing extensively over bog wood, wrapping around mount Identification: Visible root system covering large areas of mounting surface Treatment:

• Generally not problematic for air plants
• Can remount to larger bog wood if desired
• Ensure roots have adequate air exposure Prevention: Not necessary - air plants naturally grow roots for anchoring

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf discoloration, wilting, growth cessation Causes: Rapid temperature changes, exposure to drafts or heating/cooling vents Treatment: Move to stable environment, maintain 65-80°F consistently Prevention: Keep away from windows, vents, and doors; acclimate gradually to new locations

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Crispy leaf tips, excessive curling, dull appearance High Humidity Symptoms: Soft rot, fungal growth, inability to dry properly Solutions: Use humidity tray for low humidity, increase air circulation for high humidity Prevention: Maintain 40-60% humidity with good air movement

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or burned leaves, red or purple discoloration Too Little Light: Pale green color, stretched growth, loss of vigor Solutions: Adjust position relative to light source, use sheer curtains for filtering Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light avoiding direct sun exposure

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Base rot affecting more than 1/3 of plant
• Pest infestation not responding to treatment after 2 weeks
• Complete loss of color or structure despite proper care

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Water only when leaves feel dry and slightly soft
• [ ] Ensure complete drying within 4 hours of watering
• [ ] Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth
• [ ] Maintain 40-60% humidity with good air circulation
• [ ] Inspect weekly for pests or disease signs
• [ ] Use appropriate water (filtered, distilled, or rainwater)

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged tissue, adjust care routine, monitor closely Week 2-3: New root growth may appear, color should improve, growth resuming Month 1+: Healthy new leaves emerging, full recovery evident, normal care resumed

Remember: Most Air Plant on Bog Wood problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.