About
An evergreen, epiphytic bromeliad to 30cm high, with funnel-shaped rosettes of long, smooth, strappy green leaves, held by dark green sheaths beneath. Produces upright flower stems of small creamy white flowers surrounded by large, bright red bracts in summer.
About the genus
Guzmania are stemless evergreen perennials forming a rosette of leathery strap-shaped leaves, with spikes of tubular white or yellow flowers and showy bracts, in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-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 height1-2 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a peat-free, loam-free, free-draining potting mix, such as a mix of fine bark, perlite and coir fibre, or grow epiphytically on artificial tree branches. Position in bright, filtered light and mist daily with rainwater when in growth. See bromeliad cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 27°C (81°F), or by division. Seedlings may take years to flower. Guzmania are monocarpic and will die down after flowering, but usually go on to produce offsets that can be removed and grown separately
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free