Guzmania

Guzmania plants are tropical, epiphytic perennials native to the rainforests of Central and South America. They are popular houseplants known for their vibrant, long-lasting bracts (modified leaves often mistaken for flowers) that form a central cup or rosette.

In their native habitat, Guzmania grow on trees or rocks, using their roots primarily for physical attachment rather than for absorbing water and nutrients. They capture water and debris in their central "tank" or "vase," a natural adaptation to their life in the tree canopy. 

Guzmania Care Guide

Guzmania care focuses on replicating the warm, humid, and filtered light conditions of their natural environment. 

• Light: Provide bright, indirect or filtered light. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. They can tolerate lower light but require adequate brightness to encourage blooming.
• Watering: Water into the central cup/rosette, keeping it about one-quarter full of water. Flush the cup regularly (every week or two) with fresh water to prevent the build-up of minerals or bacteria. Water the soil sparingly, allowing the top third to dry out slightly between waterings, as the roots are highly susceptible to rot if the soil remains soggy. Use distilled water, rainwater, or filtered tap water to prevent salt build-up on the leaves.
• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain warm household temperatures, and protect from hot or cold drafts. They thrive in high humidity; mist the plant regularly, place it with other plants, or use a pebble tray to increase moisture in dry air.
• Soil: Use a very well-draining, airy potting mix, such as a specialized orchid mix or a mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark chips.
• Fertiliser: Feed sparingly, if at all. During the spring and summer growing season, a weak, diluted (quarter to half-strength) liquid fertiliser or a specific bromeliad/air plant food can be sprayed onto the leaves or applied to the soil once or twice a month. Avoid putting fertiliser in the central cup.
• Life Cycle & Propagation: The mother plant flowers only once in its lifetime, with the colourful bracts lasting several months before fading. As the mother plant declines, it produces offsets, or "pups," around its base. These pups can be separated and re-potted once they are one-third to one-half the size of the parent plant to grow new plants. The mother plant should be discarded after it has completely died back.
• Non-toxic: safe for cats and dogs

Sold without decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.

Local plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.

D10.5cm H25cm