Urn plants are exotic-looking bromeliads that have long-lasting flowers. The rosette of leaves forms a central “vase” that holds water.
HOW TO NOT KILL IT
Place the plant in a warm room that is 55-81F (13-27C). Good air circulation Is important, so open a window on occasion.
Provide bright light, away from direct sun, which will burn the leaves.
WATERING + FEEDING
Water the central vase, ensuring that the water is always 1in (2-3cm) deep. Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater. Empty and refill the vase every 2-3 weeks to keep the water from stagnating. Water the potting mix in summer if the top 1in (2-3cm) is dry. Allow to drain after.
Provide high humidity if the room is warm – place it on a pebble-filled tray of water and mist the leaves 1-2 times a week.
BROWN, SOGGY LEAVES OR WILTING LEAVES?
This could be crown or root rot, caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
SAVE IT: Check for crown and root rot. Try trimming off the affected areas, treating with fungicide, and repotting in fresh potting mix. For more information, see Plant diseases.
FLOWER OR PLANT DYING BACK?
This is normal.
SAVE IT: Cut away the flower, as close to the foliage as you can, using a sharp knife. Urn plants only flower once, but if you continue to care for your plant, it will produce “pups” (new plants at its base). When they are a third the size of the main plant, cut them away carefully and pot them individually.
The air is too dry or the plant is in direct sunlight.
SAVE IT: Move your plant to a shadier spot and mist the leaves regularly.
BROWN LEAF TIPS
This may be due to hot, dry air, or under- or overwatering. It can also be caused by hard tap water.
SAVE IT: Add more water to the central vase and water the potting mix lightly. Mist the leaves more often. If you think hard water is the problem, switch to distilled, filtered, or rainwater.