Guzmania

Bromeliads are epiphyte herbaceous perennials in the Bromeliaceae (pineapple) family and native to Florida and tropical America. They are 120 species in this Genus. They can grow up to 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width with stemless strap-like leaves growing in a rosette. The small flowers are often surrounded by colorful bracts. The leaves can be green or variegated.

Bromeliads need full sun to shade depending on the species and heat and high humidity. Plant using a mixture designed for bromeliads or make your own with ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and bark. Water the plant and allow the soil to dry completely. The central vase should be kept full of water when not blooming and should be replaced periodically. Offsets will appear at the base after the bloom fades and can be removed and started as new plants as the mother plant will soon fade and die. Fertilize by spraying half-strength orchid fertilizer on the leaves in spring or summer and only one to two times per year. They can also be grown as an epiphyte on wood with the roots bound around sphagnum moss. Spraying with water daily is usually sufficient for this method in addition to water in the vase.

These plants are desired for their beautiful, long-lasting, torch-like inflorescence with showy bright red 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
• Inflorescence is torch-like at the end of the flower scape

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

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