Queen's Tears

Queen's Tears prefers to be watered from the center of the plant, the cup formed by its overlapping leaves. Remove any debris from the center before adding water, and water only when the soil is dry. Fill the cup with filtered or chlorinated tap water and then submerge the entire plant in the water for a few minutes. Allow the excess to drain out before returning it to its pot. Water when the top half inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Queen's Tears prefers bright indirect to medium light and will need a minimum of fifteen hours of light each day in order to bloom. This bromeliad should not be placed in direct sunlight as its leaves and flower petals can be scorched easily. If the leaves start to turn yellow, this could be an indication of either too much or too little light.

Queen's Tears prefers a temperature range of 65 to 80°F (18 to 27°C). It can tolerate warmer temperatures, though it may go into dormancy in temperatures higher than 90°F (32°C). The plant should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Queen's Tears prefer a humid environment, so it's best to keep it in spaces with high humidity. Consider misting the plant on a regular basis or placing it in a plant-hydro saucer. Generally, the humidity should be around 65%. Too much humidity can cause the plant to become diseased, so use humidity meters or dehumidifiers to ensure it is in the correct range.

Queen's Tears prefers a soil that is light and airy. A well-draining potting mix with plenty of organic matter is ideal. A general purpose potting soil or an African violet potting mix will work well. If the soil is too heavy or dense, the plant could become waterlogged, leading to root rot and the eventual death of the plant.

Queen's Tears generally does not need to be fertilized, but if it is not blooming, it may need additional nutrients. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (April - October). Fertilizers with a lower nitrogen content should be used, as too much nitrogen can cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Avoid fertilizers with urea, as this can burn the plant's leaves.

Queen's Tears is susceptible to pests like aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and scale. If these pests appear, use all-natural organic pesticides to manage the infestation. Insecticidal soaps are effective for treating aphids and mealybugs and should be applied every 5 to 7 days to prevent further infestations. Neem oil can also be used to treat the other pests, as it is effective at controlling a broad range of insect pests. Monitor the plant regularly and apply the proper pesticide treatments when needed to keep infestations at bay.

This plant should be repotted every two years with fresh soil. When it is time to repot, use a container with drainage holes and a light, airy potting mix. Make sure to water the plant right away after repotting and move it into a location that has sufficient lighting and humidity.

Pruning is usually unnecessary, but if there are any dead leaves or damaged parts of the plant they can be trimmed off cautiously. Prune back too-long leaves carefully, making sure they are cut with a clean, sharp tool. This will ensure the cuts are clean and not jagged, which can attract pests and cause infections.

Mulching around the base of the plant is not necessary, but a light layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture in the soil and also keep the root system cool during the warm months. A layer of peat moss, shredded bark, or coconut coir can be used to create the mulch layer.

Queen's Tears can be propagated through division. It will take several years for the offset to develop into a mature plant, but the wait is well worth it. To divide the plant, carefully remove the root ball from its container and shake off any excess soil. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut off an offset from the mother plant, and then plant it in a pot with fresh soil. Make sure the new container has drainage holes and a light, airy soil to ensure proper drainage.

Queen's Tears may need support if the leaves become too heavy, as the plant is top-heavy and may topple over. A stake or trellis can be used for this purpose. Secure the stake to the soil, and attach the plant to the stake using twine or wire.

Queen's Tears does not require a rest period. The temperature and light may be adjusted according to the season, but the plant should still be watered and fertilized regularly. The plant may slow its growth in the winter months due to lower temperatures and light exposure, but it can still grow and bloom in this period.

Queen's Tears is not toxic to animals, but it can cause discomfort if ingested. Keep pets away from the plant to prevent ingestion and monitor the plant for signs of chewing or damage.