Guzmania lingulata: Complete Care and Maintenance Guide
La Guzmania lingulata, also known as scarlet star or guzmania bromeliad, has become one of the most appreciated indoor plants and eye-catching for their elegance and easy care. Its lush foliage and brightly colored inflorescences make this bromeliad, native to Central and South America, a must-have in home and office decor. Discover how to keep your guzmania radiant and all the secrets to keeping it looking spectacular season after season.
Main characteristics of Guzmania lingulata
- Family: Bromeliaceae.
- Type: Tropical epiphytic plant.
- Level: Approximately 30 cm, up to 60 cm in flowering.
- Diameter: Up to 60 cm.
- Sheets: Ribboned, of intense green, arched and arranged in a central rosette that creates a kind of natural water reservoir.
- Inflorescence: It stands out for its colorful and colorful bracts in shades of red, yellow, pink or orange, surrounding small yellow flowers.
- Life cycle: Each plant flowers only once and after flowering, the mother plant dies, but leaves young that can be separated and replanted.
Climate, light and ideal location for Guzmania
- Light: Prefers one abundant indirect lightPlace the plant near a window with a translucent curtain or in a well-lit location away from direct sunlight, as strong sunlight can burn the leaves and discolor the inflorescence. In low-light environments, the plant will survive, but its development will be slower and the flowering less attractive.
- Location: Ideal for interiors where they are avoided air currents strong and sudden changes in temperature. Do not place it near radiators, heating, air conditioning, or cold drafts.
- Optimum temperature: Between 16 and 27°C. It tolerates slightly lower temperatures, but if it drops too low, it can suffer damage or stunt its growth. Avoid temperatures below 13°C and extreme changes.
- Ventilation: Prefers environments with good air circulation, but without exposure to direct currents.
How to properly water Guzmania lingulata
- Irrigation: Guzmania stores water in the central reservoir formed by the rosette of leaves. Water this reservoir directly with lime-free water at room temperature, avoiding excessive wetting of the substrate.
- Frequency: During warm periods, refill the reservoir every 2-4 days (more if the environment is dry); in cold periods, do so every 7-14 days depending on the ambient humidity. The substrate should be kept slightly moist but never waterlogged.
- Renewing the water in the bud: It's essential to change the water in the reservoir every 2-3 weeks to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi. Empty any stagnant water and refill it with clean, filtered, or settled water.
- Always avoid hard water, as it can leave residue and damage the plant in the long run.
- Caution: If the environment is very hot and dry, increase the frequency of watering and increase the humidity.
- How to know if you need watering: If the leaves lose their softness or the central reservoir is dry, it's time to add water.
- Additional tip: In regions with light rainfall or an outdoor environment, you can take the guzmania out into the garden in the rain and let it soak in natural water for a few minutes.
Environmental humidity and spraying of Guzmania
- Humidity: If the humidity is low, spray the leaves with soft or lime-free water 2-3 times a week, especially in summer or under heating, to prevent dry tips and maintain the plant's vitality.
- Tricks to increase humidity:
- Place the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and water (without the base of the pot being in direct contact with the water).
- Place the plant near a humidifier.
- A shallow, wide container of water near the plant helps create a humid microclimate around.
- Avoid wetting the inflorescence, since excess direct moisture on the flower reduces its lifespan.
Recommended substrate and transplant for Guzmania lingulata
- Substratum: Choose a substrate light and airy, ideally mixing peat, pine bark, coarse sand, and some perlite. A guideline mix might be 2/3 peat and 1/3 coarse sand or perlite, or a universal substrate with equal parts perlite and bark. The substrate should drain well to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Flowerpot: Use pots with good drainage. Guzmania has shallow roots, so it doesn't need a very deep pot, but one that's wide enough to allow new shoots to form.
- Transplant: Transplant when the offspring are at least a third of the size of the parent plant and have established roots. Use a fresh potting mix and follow the humidity and light recommendations after transplanting.
- Attention: If you notice that the roots are protruding from the drainage holes or the plant is too compact, it's time to move to a slightly larger pot.
Fertilizing and fertilizing Guzmania
- When to pay: During the active growth stage (spring and summer), fertilize the Guzmania every 2-4 weeks with a very diluted liquid fertilizer specifically for bromeliads or orchids. Don't overdo it, as the plant is sensitive to excess salts.
- Type of subscription: The best fertilizers are guano, worm castings, or balanced fertilizers for epiphytes, always applied at half the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
- How to pay: Apply the diluted fertilizer directly into the central reservoir (never on the leaves or flowers) or into the irrigation water, and only during the vegetative phase, not during dormancy.
- Avoid aggressive fertilizers: Do not use conventional green plant fertilizers or nitrogen-rich solutions, as these can damage roots and hinder flowering.
Pruning, maintenance and multiplication of Guzmania
- Pruning: Guzmania lingulata requires very little pruning. You should only remove wilted, damaged, or dry leaves. After flowering, the flower and the mother plant will begin to shrivel: cut the flower stem as low as possible to encourage the growth of lateral shoots.
- Multiplication or propagation:
- After flowering, the mother plant will produce suckers at the base. When these reach approximately one-third the size of the mother and have roots of their own, carefully separate them and transplant them to a new pot with aerated potting soil. You can learn about propagation of the offspring of Guzmania.
- Keep the new seedlings in a warm, shaded location until they are well established. Mist with water to maintain humidity.
- Plant life: Remember that each rosette blooms once and then withers, but thanks to the shoots, the cycle is renewed and you can enjoy new plants year after year.
Flowering of Guzmania lingulata
- Flowering: Guzmania produces its spectacular inflorescences only once per central stem. The small, yellow flowers are surrounded by intensely colored bracts, which remain attractive for several weeks or even months.
- Flowering stimulation: Adequate light exposure, good humidity, and a moderate amount of fertilizer are key to stimulating flowering.
- After flowering: Once the process is complete, the mother plant gradually dies, releasing suckers that ensure the continuity of the life cycle.
Common problems, pests and diseases
- Brown leaves, dry or yellow edges: It could be due to low humidity, direct sunlight, inadequate watering, or mineral salt buildup. Adjust your location, improve your spraying, or use quality water.
- Sparse flowering: This is often due to a lack of light or over-fertilization. Increase exposure to indirect light and reduce fertilization frequency.
- Rotten roots: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause rot. Remove the plant from its pot, remove damaged roots, and repot with fresh, well-aerated potting soil. For a week, water only through the central reservoir.
- Pests: It can be affected by aphids, mealybugs, or mites, especially in drought or low humidity conditions. Clean the leaves with a damp cloth and apply a natural insecticide if necessary.
Frequently asked questions about Guzmania and extra tips
- When to cut the Guzmania flower? When the flower loses color and begins to wilt, cut the stem from the base to encourage the growth of suckers and allow the mother plant to use its energy on them.
- Is Guzmania toxic? No, it is considered a safe plant for pets and people, although it is always advisable to avoid ingestion by small children or animals.
- Why is my Guzmania not blooming? The most common causes are lack of light, inadequate temperatures, or a lack of nutrients. Adjust environmental conditions or repot to renew the substrate.
- What to do if the plant has suckers? Wait until the offspring have roots and are large enough, then separate and transplant them to obtain new plants.
Enjoying a guzmania lingulata is much simpler than it seems. With a little care, attention to humidity, and without forgetting the importance of light and the right substrate, you'll have an exotic and long-lasting plant that will fill any corner of your home with life and color. Its ability to purify the environment, its low maintenance and its long-lasting beauty make it an ideal choice for those looking for a tropical touch in their daily lives.
