Why Is My Bridal Veil Plant Dying? Tips for Rescuing Your Dying Gibasis Pellucida

With trailing vines that can grow as long as three feet, leaves with inflections of purple in deep green, and star-shaped, white flowers blooming in abundance, the Tahitian bridal veil is an ideal indoor plant.

But the Gibasis pellucida, as a tropical plant, does take some extra loving care and attention, so if you’ve got one that is dying, you’re not alone.

The good news is you can turn the situation around and restore your lush greenery to its natural state.

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A Bridal Veil Plant Is a Great Choice for Your Home or Office

Because of its preference for a moderate temperature of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and its ability to take up space, the bridal veil plant is ideal for a home or office, in a sunny corner, near a bright window, or even hanging from a plant stand next to your desk.

It brings with it a soft, subtle, warm scent reminiscent of jasmine or lily, and it will purify the air in your space, making you feel better just having it near you.

In the right conditions, this warm-weather wonder will thrive and continue to grow and delight you.

Fortunately, most homes in America and around the world maintain those “right conditions.”

Signs of a Dying Bridal Veil Plant

The bridal veil is not shy about letting you know it is dying. You will be able to tell right away.

Signs of a dying bridal veil plant include:

Leaves falling off
Leaves failing to sprout from vines
Failure to flower
Leaves or flowers turning brown and crispy
Leaves beginning to yellow
Bugs or root rot

Common Causes of a Dying Bridal Veil Plant

Any imbalance in light or moisture could set your bridal veil plant on a path to self-destruction, so pay attention to the factors that can contribute to this catastrophe.

Causes of a dying bridal veil plant include:

Underwatering
Overwatering
Too much light
Not enough light
Pests

The bridal veil plant calls for relatively close attention. Learn to check its soil for moisture, to monitor its leaves and flowers, and watch for bugs, and you will develop a green thumb and a solid relationship with your growing plant.

Watering Needs of a Bridal Veil Plant

The Gibasis pellucida loves to be watered regularly but not overwatered. During warmer months, you can plan to water it about once a week, and during colder months, less frequently. Take a look at this article on watering mistakes that might be killing your plant.

To be sure your plant is well watered and not too watered, learn to check its soil. Stick your fingers into the topsoil of the plant. If the top one inch is still moist, it is fine. If the topsoil is dry, you can water it again.

With the bridal veil, you want to water it to the point of moisture, but don’t soak it as it takes its time drying out.

Am I Underwatering My Bridal Veil Plant?

The bridal veil will begin to develop brown and crispy leaves if it is drying out. You can also tell it is underwatered when the soil becomes tightly packed.

Restoring Water to Your Underwatered Bridal Veil Plant

To restore your bridal veil to a healthy moisture balance, simply prune off any brown and crispy leaves and water it thoroughly, allowing it to drain completely before replacing it in its normal home.

Am I Overwatering My Bridal Veil Plant?

You will know your bridal veil plant is overwatered if the leaves become yellow or if the soil looks soaked through. If your plant develops root rot from overwatering, you might also notice mushy stems or vines and pests in your soil.

Restoring Balance to Your Overwatered Bridal Veil Plant

If your leaves are starting to yellow but the plant is not mushy, you can simply place your bridal veil plant in a brighter area and wait for it to dry out a bit more between waterings.

If the roots are rotting, you have pests, or your soil is soaked through, you will likely want to repot the plant

Choose a pot with good drainage and preferably multiple holes. Remove the plant and root ball from the existing soil. Choose a light and airy indoor potting mix and blend with some peat moss.

Allow your root ball and plant to dry out fully on a screen in the sunshine outside.

Replant your bridal veil in the new pot with the new soil and water until the soil is moist, not soaked.

Soil Needs of a Bridal Veil Plant

Plant your bridal veil in a light, organic, indoor potting mix that will not overwhelm it or hold water.

Soil Drainage Needs for a Bridal Veil Plant

If you notice your plant is not draining well, you can either repot it in a fresh pot with better drainage and a saucer or place pebbles at the bottom of the existing pot.

Also be sure your pot has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom.

Resolving Soil Drainage Issues for a Bridal Veil Plant

Another option is to place your plant closer to bright light in a drier space in your home or office. It may simply be a matter of the plant not getting enough sun and air to dry itself out.

Lighting Needs of a Bridal Veil Plant

The bridal veil plant needs plenty of bright, warm light like it would get in the tropics.

Resolving Lighting Issues for a Bridal Veil Plant

If you notice your plant is not flowering or the green begins to become dull, that is a clear indicator your bridal veil is not getting enough light. Simply move it to a brighter window or consider moving it to another part of the house.

In contrast, if you notice your leaves are beginning to scorch or burn, your plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Move it a bit farther away from the window or to a room with less direct light.

Pests or Diseases that Can Cause Issues with a Bridal Veil Plant

One of the greatest things about the bridal veil plant is how pest- and disease-resistant it is.

You can spray your bridal veil once a month with an organic pesticide just to be sure.

Root rot can be an issue, especially if your plant has been overwatered. If you do notice root rot taking hold, simply follow the instructions for drying out and repotting above.

Fake Bridal Veil Plants Are an Additional Consideration

Yes, in the end, if you find the bridal veil plant is just too needy for your schedule, you can consider an artificial bridal veil plant.

Particularly if you hang it in a bright corner and spray and wipe the leaves every once in a while with water, you will never even be able to tell the difference.

Wondering if fake plants are trendy right now? Check out my article on whether artificial plants and flowers are tacky.

Do you have a bridal veil plant you’ve nursed back to life? What worked for you? Leave your tips and tricks in the comment section below.