Bromeliad (Scarlet Star)
Guzmania lingulata
A vibrant Central and South American epiphyte with strap-shaped glossy green leaves arranged in a tight central rosette that holds water in a natural cup ("the tank"). The dramatic scarlet, orange, yellow, or pink "flower" is actually a long-lasting bract that can hold its colour for 3 to 6 months. The actual tiny white flowers nestled inside the bract last only days. Each rosette flowers once and then slowly dies, but produces 1 to 3 offset "pups" at its base that carry the line forward. With consistent care a single original purchase can become a generation-long collection.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Indoor (native to Central and South American rainforests)
Light
Bright indirect light. Tolerates lower light but bract colour fades
Bloom Time
The bract is long-lasting (3 to 6 months); each rosette blooms once in its lifetime
Soil
Loose, fast-draining orchid or epiphyte mix. Many growers use straight orchid bark
Water
Keep the central cup ("tank") filled with fresh water. Refresh weekly to prevent stagnation. Water the soil only lightly, and only when fully dry. Use rainwater or distilled water if your tap is hard (most of Alberta's is)
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Once the parent rosette has flowered and starts to decline, wait for offsets ("pups") to reach about a third the size of the parent. Cut the pups off with a clean knife, leaving any small roots intact, and pot each in fresh epiphyte mix. The parent then naturally dies back; remove it once browned
