By far one of the easiest Indoor flowering plants to keep. A group of bromeliads with 120 species that have long bloom times and are a cinch to care for.
The genus name honors Anastasio Guzman, an 18th-century Spanish naturalist. They are related to Pineapples !
They are epiphytic plants – these usually grow on trees in the tropical Americas from Mexico to Brazil. Preferring warm and humid conditions they do adapt pretty well to most indoor locations. They tend to be top heavy so put them in a heavy clay or ceramic container in a bright window. Grow them in an orchid mix or use sphagnum moss.
Watering is easy but different than most other houseplants. Place the water in the central cup of the plant and replace it monthly to keep it fresh. The plant has a means of absorbing the water from the base of those leaves. The roots in the pot also should be watered as well – frequently enough so they never dry out completely.
After a few months, once the flower fades, offsets will appear at the base of the plant. These can be removed and started as new plants. The mother plant itself will soon fade and the off shoots will begin growing larger.
Here are Some of the Most Common Species Available:
Monostachia
Red Paddle
Tiny Star
Conifera
Red Cone
Lingulata
Most people are familiar with this one species. It has endless varieties and cultivars that come in a plethora of colors – red, orange, violet, yellow, orange, pale or white and even with stripped leaves !
Many colors available !
They even have a plethora of names too! – Nana yellow, Denise, Patricia, Hasta La Vista, Georgia, Amaretto, Torch Albo, Viola, Scarlet Star, Ice cream, Tropical Delight, Priscilla, Alii, Focus, Gwendolyn, Hilda, Irene, Kapoho Flame, Lilly, Limones, Loja, Luna, Midnight, Neon, Ostara, Passion, Puna Gold, Rana, Snowball, Sunnytime, Tutti Frutti, and Zamora.
I can assure you – there are MANY more varieties with equally delightful names !
New hybrid Variegated Purple Blush
Looking for some color inside?
Our Indoor Team can get you the right Guzmania for your home !
or office !
Call us – let’s talk colors !
PLANT SPECIALISTS
GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 53 YEARS !
Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK
