Overview
Guzmania wittmackii is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Guzmania, part of the Bromeliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Guzmania wittmackii 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 wittmackii is a cultivar of Guzmania, a genus of evergreen perennials in the Bromeliaceae family that form clumps and lack stems, developing a rosette of thick, strap-like leaves. This plant produces spikes of tubular flowers in summer, typically white or yellow, with prominent bracts. It is suited to conservatories or as a houseplant, thriving in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect. It prefers well-drained loam or sandy soils of various pH levels and requires watering during establishment. Propagation is by seed sown at 27°C or by division, with plants being monocarpic but producing offsets for continued growth.
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 wittmackii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Guzmania wittmackii
- 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 wittmackii?
Guzmania wittmackii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Guzmania wittmackii need?
Guzmania wittmackii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Guzmania wittmackii hardy in the UK?
Guzmania wittmackii 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 wittmackii?
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 monostachiastriped torch
- Guzmania 'Allura'PBR
- Guzmania 'Durajen'
- Guzmania 'Freeze'PBR
- Guzmania 'Freya'PBR
- Guzmania 'Omar Morobe'