Bromeliad

Guzmania lingulataAlso known as: Scarlet Star, Guzmania

The Guzmania is a stunning tropical bromeliad featuring a rosette of glossy green leaves and a vibrant central flower spike in red, orange, yellow, or pink. Native to Central and South American rainforests, the colorful 'flower' is actually long-lasting bracts that can remain vibrant for months.

Moderate Care

Medium Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Medium Light

Temperature Range
55-80°F (13-27°C)

Ideal Temp
70°F (21°C)

Pet Safe

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it's safe to have around pets, ingestion of any plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Keep central cup filled with water, mist soil weekly
Summer	Maintain water in cup, change weekly to prevent stagnation
Fall	Reduce cup water slightly
Winter	Keep cup partially filled, reduce watering

Water the central cup, not the soil. Use distilled or rainwater - sensitive to minerals. Empty and refill cup weekly.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	2-3 times per week
Summer	Daily
Fall	2-3 times per week
Winter	2-3 times per week

Humidity-loving epiphyte. Mist around the plant regularly.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Monthly with diluted bromeliad or orchid fertilizer
Summer	Monthly at quarter-strength
Fall	No fertilizing
Winter	No fertilizing

Light feeder. Apply to soil or cup, not on leaves.

Pruning

Frequency: After blooming

Best Season: After flower fades

Mother plant dies after blooming (monocarpic). Remove faded bloom stalk. Care for offsets (pups).

Repotting

Frequency: When separating pups

Best Season: Spring or summer

Use orchid mix or bromeliad soil. Small pots work well - small root systems.

Flowering

Season
Once in its lifetime, lasting 3-6 months

Color
Red, orange, yellow, pink, or purple bracts

Blooms once then produces offsets and dies. Colorful bracts last months.

Propagation Methods

Offsets (pups) after mother plant blooms
Separate when pups are 1/3 to 1/2 size of mother plant

Common Problems

Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or water quality issues
Rotting center: Water sitting too long in cup - empty and refill weekly
Dying after bloom: Normal - plant is monocarpic. Focus on pups.
No blooms: May need ethylene exposure (apple in bag) to trigger

Pro Tips

Plant blooms once then produces pups before dying
Keep cup water fresh - change weekly
Pups will bloom in 2-3 years
Great for bathrooms and humid areas

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