About
Guzmania lingulata, the tongue-shaped guzmania, is an evergreen bromeliad forming rosettes of strap-shaped, glossy, fresh-green leaves. From the centre arises a short-stemmed spike of yellow and white flowers with spreading, bright-orange or red bracts that remain ornamental for many weeks. One of the most popular and widely grown of all bromeliads as a houseplant or conservatory plant.
About the genus
Guzmania are stemless evergreen bromeliads forming rosettes of leathery, strap-shaped leaves with a central spike of tubular, white or yellow flowers surrounded by showy, colourful bracts in summer. Popular houseplants and conservatory plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTropical America
Care notes
CultivationCan be grown under glass in epiphytic bromeliad compost in bright filtered light or epiphytically on artificial tree branches. When in growth mist daily with soft water in the early morning and keep barely moist (no misting) in winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 27°C or remove offsets in mid spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free