Overview
Guzmania monostachia is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Guzmania, part of the Bromeliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Guzmania monostachia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1A. Suggested uses include houseplants.
About
Guzmania monostachia is an epiphytic species in the genus Guzmania. Also known as a West Indian tufted airplant, this species is native to South America (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela), Central America, the West Indies and Florida. The species is also reportedly naturalized in Hawaii. Guzmania monostachia is notable as it is a facultative CAM species, converting from C3 photosynthesis to CAM under high light treatment or drought stress as a protective measure. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it needs tropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1a). Suggested uses include houseplants. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Guzmania monostachia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Guzmania
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
Guzmania monostachia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Guzmania monostachia
- Propagation
- Propagate 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 resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Guzmania monostachia?
Guzmania monostachia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Guzmania monostachia need?
Guzmania monostachia grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Guzmania monostachia hardy in the UK?
Guzmania monostachia has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Guzmania monostachia?
Propagate 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.
More in the Guzmania genus
- Guzmania 'Amaranth'
- Guzmania dissitiflora
- Guzmania wittmackii
- Guzmania 'Allura'PBR
- Guzmania 'Durajen'
- Guzmania 'Freeze'PBR
- Guzmania 'Freya'PBR
- Guzmania 'Omar Morobe'