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. Avoid
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.