Guzmania Lingulata
Scarlet Star Bromeliad

Modern varieties of Guzmania lingulata (also known as Scarlet Star) are smaller than older strains. Scarlet Star is one of the most popular bromeliad house plants.

Mature plants reach a size of 10 in/25 cm tall, with a width of 12 in/30 cm wide. Cultivars produce blooms in a variety of colors, such as bright yellow, orange, mauve, and lavender.

In three to four years, Scarlet Stars produce brightly colored bracts (a flower spike in the center of the plants), which emerge above the glossy foliage in the center of the plants.

When the flower spike fades (6 weeks or more after it appears), pups appear near the base of the plants. Small white flowers are almost hidden amoung the bracts. Plants bloom once and then fade over a period of three years.

This bromeliad appreciates high humidity; however, it does not require the amount of light that other bromeliad species require, and will often grow in the bright artificial light of offices.

Guzmania Lingulata (Scarlet Star) Plant Care Tips

Lighting Requirements

This bromeliad prefers moderate to bright light year-round. AvoidGuzmania Lingulata direct sunlight. Scarlet Star will grow under the bright fluorescent lights found in offices.

Temperature Requirements

Average to warm temperatures year-round (65 - 80° F / 18 - 27° C).

Fertilizer

Feed monthly year-round with a houseplant fertilizer diluted to ½ the regular strength. Apply fertilizer to leaves, roots, and reservoir.

Water

Keep cup filled with a minimum of 1 in / .2.5 cm of water at all times. Roots should be lightly moist. Replace the water in the cup with fresh water every two to three weeks. To remove excess salt build-up, leach bromeliad pot once during the summer.

Soil

Use a bromeliad or orchid potting soil.

Propogation

When the offsets are 3 in / 7.5 cm tall, they are ready to be repotted. Be sure to provide high humidity for a month after propagating the offsets.

Repotting

Continue to repot annually in the spring until the bromeliad fills a 6 in / 15 cm pot. Small pots can induce blooms in mature plants.

Longetivity

Individual plants live three to four years.

Selection

There are a variety of hybrids available. The bracts of ‘Orange Star’ are long-lasting. ‘Luna’ produces a mauve spike. Other varieties produce red, orange, yellow, and lavender blooms. ‘Rana’ produces a large, orange-red flower spike.

Uses and Display Tips

Display on a windowsill that receives bright, indirect light. Guzmania lingulata will grow under the fluorescent lighting found in offices.

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