Bromeliad
Also known as: Guzmania, Scarlet Star
Light
Medium (Indirect)
Water
Low
Humidity
High
Size
Medium
30-90 cm (1-3 ft)
✓ Pet Safe
Bromeliad is non-toxic and safe for homes with cats and dogs.
Care Requirements
About the Bromeliad
Guzmania is a genus of bromeliads native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they grow as epiphytes on tree branches in filtered light. Their long, arching, glossy green leaves form a central rosette (tank) that collects rainwater in the wild. The real show is the long-lasting, brightly colored flower bract that rises from the center -- available in vivid red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. These bracts can last 3-6 months, far outlasting most cut flowers. After flowering, the mother plant gradually declines but produces offsets (pups) that continue the next generation.
Origin: Central America
Care Tips
Provide bright indirect light; too much direct sun bleaches the leaves, while too little prevents flowering. Keep the central cup filled with filtered water and change it regularly to prevent stagnation. Water the soil sparingly, keeping it barely moist. Good air circulation helps prevent rot. Maintain moderate to high humidity. Feed monthly by adding a very dilute bromeliad or orchid fertilizer to the central cup. After the flower bract fades, the mother plant will decline over 1-2 years while producing offsets at the base. When pups are one-third the size of the mother, separate them with some roots and repot.
Is This Plant Right for You?
Best For
- Living rooms with indirect light
- Beginners and busy plant parents
- Homes with cats and dogs
- Forgetful waterers
Not Ideal For
- Very dry climates without humidity control
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