You may think I am thirsty, but overwatering is a far more common and deadly mistake. My central cup, or tank, should hold fresh water, but my potting medium should not be constantly soggy. If my soil is wet and my roots are rotting, I cannot absorb water or nutrients, making me appear thirsty when I am actually drowning. Please empty my central cup and allow my growing medium to dry out considerably before watering again. When you do water, fill my cup about one-quarter to one-half full with distilled, rain, or filtered water, as I am sensitive to the chemicals in tap water.
I am struggling if I am sitting in intense, direct sunlight. My leaves are not designed for such exposure and will scorch, turning brown and crispy. Conversely, if I am in deep shade, I cannot produce the energy I need to survive, and my vibrant colors will fade. I need bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west window is ideal. Also, please keep me away from heating or cooling vents. I thrive in stable, warm temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C - 27°C) and appreciate a humid environment, which you can provide with a nearby humidifier or pebble tray.
It is crucial to know that I am monocarpic. This means I will flower once, and then my main plant will naturally begin to die back. This is not a failure on your part; it is my biological destiny. My energy is now focused on producing new plants, called pups, at my base. If my flower bract has faded and my central leaves are browning, do not despair. Look for small offshoots. My dying is a necessary part of creating new life. Your goal now shifts from saving the original plant to nurturing its offspring.
While I am not a heavy feeder, a complete lack of nutrients in a depleted potting mix can contribute to my decline. However, fertilizing a stressed plant can do more harm than good. If my other conditions are perfect, you can provide very weak nourishment. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to 1/4 or 1/2 strength and apply it directly to my soil, not into my central cup, during the growing season. This gentle feeding can give me a slight boost to support pup growth without burning my sensitive roots.
Once my pups are about one-third to one-half the size of the original plant, they are ready to be separated. Using a clean, sharp knife, carefully remove a pup, ensuring it has some of its own roots attached. Plant the pup in a small pot with a fresh, well-draining orchid or bromeliad mix. Water the soil lightly and keep the pup's central cup filled with a small amount of water. Provide it with warm, bright, indirect light and high humidity. In this way, you are not saving me, but you are saving my genetic line, allowing me to live on through a new generation.
