These popular tropicals are usually sold in bloom displaying brilliantly colored flower spikes and star-shaped blooms.
Long, strap-like leaves are usually dark green although some rare types feature variegation.
Similar to many orchid species, Guzmania bromeliads areepiphytesbut the home gardener can also grow them in soil.
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Light
How much sun exposure to give your bromeliad depends on the species.
One of the most popular species,G.
lingulata, requires part to full shade.
Other species perform better when positioned to receivebright, indirect lightduring the day.
To grow them in soil, it’s important to choose a porous mix that drains well.
Roots need adequate access to air and should never be allowed to get soggy or remain wet.
Reduce frequency to every two or three weeks during winter.
Guzmania performs better if kept on the dry side.
Soggy soil results in root rot and plant loss.
Tip
Guzmania can be sensitive to heavily treated tap water.
Temperature and Humidity
Guzmania bromeliads thrive in warm temperatures and plenty of humidity.
Keep them in a spot where nighttime temperatures remain above 60F.
Daytime temperatures between 70F and 80F spur healthy growth and plants tolerate temperatures even higher.
Normal householdhumidity levels should be supplementedsince bromeliads need moist air of 60 to 70 percent.
Fertilizer
Feed with an orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength once or twice during the growing season.
Use a spray bottle and apply fertilizer to the leaves.
Guzmania are sensitive to salt build-up and may not require any supplemental feeding.
Types of Guzmania Bromeliad
More than 120 species of bromeliads make up the Guzmania genus.
Here are three popular species available for purchase at garden centers.
Pruning
Guzmania bromeliads need no pruning until they mature and flower.
Remove the spent flower by snipping it off close to the base of the stem.
This encourages the plant to direct energy into making offshoots.
Propagating Guzmania Bromeliad
Propagating a bromeliad is both a learning and rewarding experience.
When to remove offshoots is determined by personal preference.
Potting and Repotting Guzmania Bromeliad
Guzmania have shallow root systems and grow better in smaller pots.
Most 4- to 6-inch containers are adequate for these showy tropicals.
Keep in mind that container size generally is small compared to the actual size of the plant.
Clay and plastic pots are good choices.
With a lifespan of four to five years, it’s seldom necessary to repot.
Overwintering
In regions with steady overnight temperatures above 60F, plants can be moved outdoors in summer.
Move them back indoors if temperatures begin to drop lower.
Guzmania goes through a rest period in winter and requires less water.
These sap-sucking insects damage foliage causing it to yellow and drop and can cause stunting.
Act early to stem an infestation by cleaning foliage with a soft, damp cloth.
Do not use horticultural oils which can suffocate leaves.
Plants aren’t vulnerable to many diseases but loss can occur if root or heart rot sets in.
Browning centers with a foul smell indicate heart rot while root rot causes lower leaves to brown and die.
If heart rot is the problem, remove any offshoots present and dispose of the mother plant.
Guzmania can be forced to bloom once they reach one year old.
Place a piece of fruit into the center cup of the plant.
The fruit releases ethylene gas prompting the flower to form.
Bloom Months
Blooms may occur at any time depending on the age of the plant.
Guzmania blooms are not seasonal however most plants go through a rest period during winter months.
How Long Does Guzmania Bromeliad Bloom?
Similar to orchids, the unique, colorful bromeliad bloom can last as long as six months.
What Do Guzmania Bromeliad Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Flowers below the leaves are surrounded by colorful red bracts producing a star shape.
Flower spikes may be paddle-shaped or cylindrical depending on species.
Guzmania bromeliads are not fragrant.
Once the original plant is no longer producing pups, plants should be discarded.
Remove and replace crusted potting material and clean leaves with a soft, damp cloth.
Reduce fertilizer strength and/or frequency and irrigate with distilled or rainwater.
Move it to a location with indirect light.
Best to let leaves die back naturally.
Guzmania are tropical and subtropical bromeliads that don’t tolerate nighttime temperatures below 60F.
They are mostly grown indoors although pots can be moved outdoors in summer in warmer climates.
Guzmania bromeliads flower just once in their lifetime of three to five years.
Blooms are long-lasting with some plants flowering for up to six months.
