Guzmania

Bromeliads are tropical, epiphytic, evergreen herbaceous perennials in the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). They are found over a wide area from Florida and the Caribbean to Mexico, Central and South America. The genus name honors Anastasio Guzman, a Spanish pharmacist and naturalist. Over 200 species are recognized, along with numerous hybrids and cultivars. They are tank-forming bromeliads, meaning their rosette of leaves impounds water.

Bromeliads need full sun to shade, depending on the species, and heat and high humidity. As the plants are epiphytes, use a bark-based potting mix made for orchids, or houseplant mix with added bark and perlite. The central tank should be kept full of water and should be replaced periodically, allowing overflow water to trickle down to the root zone. Liquid fertilizer (diluted to half-strength) should be applied in the tank periodically when the plant is in active growth. They can also be grown as an epiphyte on wood with the roots bound with sphagnum moss. Spraying with water daily is usually sufficient to keep the tank filled with water. These plants produce a showy flower from the center of the plant. Offsets will appear at the base after the bloom fades and can be removed when they are about one-third as large as the flowering plant. 

They can grow up to 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width with stemless strap-like leaves growing in a rosette. The leaves can be green or variegated. The small flowers are often surrounded by colorful bracts. 

These plants are prized for their beautiful, long-lasting, torch-like inflorescence with showy bright red or yellow bracts. Use these plants as a houseplant or grow them in a container that can be brought indoors when temperatures cool. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are entire, without marginal teeth.
• Inflorescence is torch-like at the end of the flower scape

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. The tanks of outdoor plants can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Regular applications of granular Bti-based larvicides are safe for plants, pets and wildlife. (Bti = Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis)

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.