Guzmania is a genus of over 120 species of flowering plants from the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Tillandsioideae. These plants are native to Brazil, the West Indies, Venezuela, Central America, and southern Florida. They grow on open mountain slopes at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters above sea level.
In 1802, this genus was first described and named after the Spanish zoologist, botanist, and pharmacist A. Guzman, who studied South America. Today, many species of this plant are cultivated at home. This flower has a beautiful rosette of long leaf plates and an unusual inflorescence resembling a cone. However, the main feature of Guzmania is its prolonged flowering. In nature, Guzmania can reach a height of 75 cm, while in home conditions, the plants are much smaller—about 40 cm tall.
Caring for Guzmania at Home
Lighting
Proper care of Guzmania at home requires following specific guidelines. This heat-loving plant needs high humidity and good lighting. Direct sunlight should reach it only from mid-autumn to the end of winter. During the rest of the year, Guzmania should be shaded from direct sun, receiving only diffused light.
Placing the pot directly on the windowsill is not recommended. In summer, Guzmania can suffer from direct sunlight, while in winter, heating radiators can dry the air excessively.
Temperature
During the budding period, Guzmania should be kept in a warm environment. The room should not be cooler than 25°C during this phase. After the start of flowering, the temperature can be slightly reduced to approximately 20°C.
Despite being heat-loving, Guzmania does not tolerate excessive heat. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 26-28°C can disrupt the plant’s internal processes and may be fatal. The plant can withstand short periods of cold down to 12°C.
Watering
When watering Guzmania, only distilled or filtered water should be used, as its roots react negatively to chlorine and lime. The water should also be warm—at least 20°C. The soil should always remain moist, but Guzmania tolerates dry conditions better than overwatering.
Watering should be done when the top layer of soil slightly dries out. Water is poured directly into the rosette, mimicking its natural function as a reservoir. However, stagnant water in the leaves should be avoided, and any excess liquid should be drained. The soil itself should only be moistened during particularly hot and dry weather.
The watering regime depends on room conditions. In cool and shady environments, watering should be less frequent, but misting should remain the same. From early spring through summer, when Guzmania enters an active growth phase, regular watering is essential.
Humidity Level
Guzmania requires high humidity, so its leaves should be misted daily using filtered or distilled water. During warm seasons, misting can be done at any time (but not in direct sunlight). From autumn to winter, misting should only be done in the morning. Be careful not to get water on the bracts, as this can significantly shorten the flowering period. Additionally, the leaves should be periodically wiped to remove dust and protect the plant from pests.
To increase humidity, the plant tray can be filled with moist moss and regularly dampened.
Soil
The soil should be well-draining, air-permeable, and slightly acidic or neutral. A suitable substrate can include a mixture of shredded fern and one-third sphagnum moss roots. Alternatively, a mix of sand and moss combined with equal parts of leaf soil and coniferous bark is suitable. Another option is a mix of turf and humus with double the amount of peat and half the amount of sand. The substrate can also consist primarily of bark with added charcoal, as Guzmania is an epiphyte adapted to growing on trees. A drainage layer should always be placed at the bottom of the pot before planting Guzmania.
Fertilization
Guzmania does not require frequent fertilization, but it can be fed with bromeliad fertilizers if desired. The dosage should be half of the recommended amount. Additionally, the fertilizer should not contain boron or copper, as these elements are harmful to the plant. Fertilization is done monthly from early spring to late summer. The nutrient solution, like watering water, is poured into the rosette. Foliar feeding is also an option. Any remaining solution should be wiped off the leaves with a damp cloth, as excess nutrients can be harmful.
Transplanting
Guzmania’s roots grow slowly, so the plant does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for a long time. Repotting is only necessary after purchase (to change the container) or when propagating by separating daughter rosettes.
Since Guzmania has a compact root system, the ideal pot size is 12-15 cm in diameter. However, as the plant grows taller, it may tip over the pot. To prevent this, heavier elements can be placed in the container or the pot can be placed inside a heavier decorative planter.
If preparing the substrate at home is not an option, a fern or orchid soil mix is suitable. A thin layer of soil should be placed over the drainage layer, followed by the plant with its old soil clump, and then fresh substrate to fill the gaps. The roots of Guzmania should not be disturbed during repotting, as they are very fragile.
Post-Flowering Care
Each Guzmania rosette blooms only once in its lifetime, but the budding process can last a very long time. After flowering, the plant gradually dries out. If it produces daughter rosettes, they can be planted in separate pots. The flower stalk can be cut off.
Propagation of Guzmania
Growing from Offshoots
Guzmania can be propagated using offshoots. After flowering, lateral shoots appear around the rosette. During maturation, these offshoots develop their root system. When the roots reach about 2 cm in length, the shoot should be carefully removed using sterilized scissors. The wounds on both the parent plant and the offshoot should be treated with a special garden sealant.
Offshoots develop roots at different rates. Therefore, they should be transplanted gradually as they mature into a prepared container. To protect the delicate young bromeliads, use a plastic bag. Once rooted, the young plants can be transferred to separate pots.
Growing Guzmania from Seeds
Guzmania can also be grown from seeds by following these steps:
- Prepare a mixture of peat and sand.
- Spread the dry seeds on the surface without covering them with soil. Before sowing, treat them with a weak potassium permanganate solution.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap.
- Maintain a temperature of about +23°C (73°F).
- Regularly ventilate the seeds and mist the emerging sprouts.
- After two months, transplant the strengthened seedlings into a mix of peat, greenhouse soil, and leaf humus.
- After six months, transfer the young plants into individual pots.
Depending on the growing conditions, the plant will not bloom earlier than four years after planting.
Guzmania Diseases and Pests
Guzmania is susceptible to fungal diseases caused by excessive humidity and improper temperature conditions. Too much moisture in the leaves can lead to plant wilting, root rot, and stem base decay.
If overwatered, Guzmania’s roots may rot. Reduce watering and pour water directly into the leaf rosette instead. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burns.
Common pests affecting Guzmania include:
- Spider mites – thrive in dry air, covering leaves and stems with fine webbing.
- Scale insects – appear as brown plaques on leaves and stems, secreting sticky residue.
- Mealybugs – create a white, cotton-like coating on the plant.
- Aphids – suck sap from the leaves, weakening the plant.
To treat infestations, wash the plant with a soapy solution, rinse it with warm water, or spray with Actellic (1-2 ml per liter of water).
- Dry leaf tips indicate low humidity or lack of water.
- White lime deposits on leaves result from watering with hard water. Use only well-settled or filtered water.