Question
I have a "Queens Tears"(billbergia zebrina)houseplant.It is about 5 years old and in about a half-gallon container.It gets a little less than filtered sunlight.I had been giving it Miracle_Grow occasionally in the springtime.The problem is it hasn't grown any flowers.It only has the very long banded leaves.Any suggestions?  Thank you Mr Creed.

Answer
Hi Paul,

Has your Queens Tears ever flowered? I ask because, like most bromeliads, they only flower once before sending up offsets (baby plants) from the base. The offsets grow and will flower when they reach maturity. But the mother plant only flowers once.

A mature Queens Tears will flower when it is moderately potbound and when it gets lots of very bright indirect light. I suspect that yours is not getting enough light. The roots may not be sufficiently developed if it has not received adequate light.

I suggest moving it to an eastern window sill where the window is uncovered throughout the daylight hours.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating.