Bromeliaceae
Guzmania lingulata
Add an instant tropical focal point to any room with Guzmania. Its sleek green rosette and upright bloom spike stay attractive for weeks, making it an ideal gift and a reliable statement plant for home or office. Simple care—bright indirect light, a refreshed central cup, and an airy mix—keeps it looking fresh and vibrant.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Guzmania
Botanical Name: Guzmania lingulata
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Bromeliad (Epiphytic Houseplant)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0033
Alternative Names:
كوزمانياء (Arabic)
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Guzmania
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean. In the wild, it grows as an epiphyte on tree branches and trunks, benefiting from high humidity and dappled canopy light. Widely cultivated as an indoor ornamental plant.
4. Visual Characteristics
Forms a symmetrical rosette of glossy, lanceolate leaves 20–40 cm long. Central cup holds water. During maturity, produces an upright inflorescence of brightly colored bracts (commonly red, orange or yellow) and small tubular flowers. Leaves are smooth-margined, arching, and bright green.
5. Size & Dimensions
Typical height (including bloom): 30–45 cm (12–18 inches); spread (rosette diameter): 25–35 cm (10–14 inches). Pups emerge at the base, adding to overall clump size over time.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright, indirect light. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch. Tolerates moderate indoor light but may produce fewer or paler bracts.
7. Watering Needs
Keep the central cup (rosette tank) filled with fresh, non-chlorinated water; refresh weekly to prevent stagnation. Water the potting mix lightly, allowing the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings. Do not overwater or allow roots to sit in water.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, airy mix: equal parts orchid bark, peat moss (or coco coir) and perlite. pH preference 5.5–6.5. Pot in a container with drainage holes. Repot pups only when they reach one-third the size of the mother plant.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature range 18–27 °C (65–80 °F); minimum 15 °C (59 °F). Prefers high humidity (60–80%). Increase humidity with pebble trays, regular misting, or a humidifier.
10. Fertilization
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at one-quarter strength. Apply to the soil or dilute into the central cup. Do not over-fertilize; flush cup occasionally to remove salts.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Easy to moderate. Remove spent bracts and flowers to maintain appearance. Trim yellowing leaves at the base. Monitor humidity and water quality. Relatively pest resistant but benefits from routine inspection.
12. Growth & Propagation
After flowering, the mother plant produces offsets (pups) at its base. When pups reach one-third the size of the parent, carefully separate with clean tools and pot individually in fresh bromeliad mix. Seed propagation is rare in cultivation.
13. Common Problems
Crown or root rot from stagnant water. Brown leaf tips due to low humidity or over-fertilization. Pests include mealybugs, scale insects and aphids. Leaf spotting or discoloration if exposed to direct sun or cold drafts.
14. Benefits & Uses
Long-lasting, vibrant blooms make it an excellent ornamental for homes, offices and public spaces. Enhances humidity and may improve indoor air quality. Popular as a gift plant due to ease of care and tropical aesthetic.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets (source: ASPCA). Safe for households with children and animals. Avoid ingestion of plant material to prevent mild gastrointestinal upset.
Guzmania lingulata
Add an instant tropical focal point to any room with Guzmania. Its sleek green rosette and upright bloom spike stay attractive for weeks, making it an ideal gift and a reliable statement plant for home or office. Simple care—bright indirect light, a refreshed central cup, and an airy mix—keeps it looking fresh and vibrant.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Guzmania
Botanical Name: Guzmania lingulata
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Bromeliad (Epiphytic Houseplant)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0033
Alternative Names:
كوزمانياء (Arabic)
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Guzmania
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean. In the wild, it grows as an epiphyte on tree branches and trunks, benefiting from high humidity and dappled canopy light. Widely cultivated as an indoor ornamental plant.
4. Visual Characteristics
Forms a symmetrical rosette of glossy, lanceolate leaves 20–40 cm long. Central cup holds water. During maturity, produces an upright inflorescence of brightly colored bracts (commonly red, orange or yellow) and small tubular flowers. Leaves are smooth-margined, arching, and bright green.
5. Size & Dimensions
Typical height (including bloom): 30–45 cm (12–18 inches); spread (rosette diameter): 25–35 cm (10–14 inches). Pups emerge at the base, adding to overall clump size over time.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright, indirect light. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch. Tolerates moderate indoor light but may produce fewer or paler bracts.
7. Watering Needs
Keep the central cup (rosette tank) filled with fresh, non-chlorinated water; refresh weekly to prevent stagnation. Water the potting mix lightly, allowing the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings. Do not overwater or allow roots to sit in water.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, airy mix: equal parts orchid bark, peat moss (or coco coir) and perlite. pH preference 5.5–6.5. Pot in a container with drainage holes. Repot pups only when they reach one-third the size of the mother plant.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature range 18–27 °C (65–80 °F); minimum 15 °C (59 °F). Prefers high humidity (60–80%). Increase humidity with pebble trays, regular misting, or a humidifier.
10. Fertilization
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at one-quarter strength. Apply to the soil or dilute into the central cup. Do not over-fertilize; flush cup occasionally to remove salts.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Easy to moderate. Remove spent bracts and flowers to maintain appearance. Trim yellowing leaves at the base. Monitor humidity and water quality. Relatively pest resistant but benefits from routine inspection.
12. Growth & Propagation
After flowering, the mother plant produces offsets (pups) at its base. When pups reach one-third the size of the parent, carefully separate with clean tools and pot individually in fresh bromeliad mix. Seed propagation is rare in cultivation.
13. Common Problems
Crown or root rot from stagnant water. Brown leaf tips due to low humidity or over-fertilization. Pests include mealybugs, scale insects and aphids. Leaf spotting or discoloration if exposed to direct sun or cold drafts.
14. Benefits & Uses
Long-lasting, vibrant blooms make it an excellent ornamental for homes, offices and public spaces. Enhances humidity and may improve indoor air quality. Popular as a gift plant due to ease of care and tropical aesthetic.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets (source: ASPCA). Safe for households with children and animals. Avoid ingestion of plant material to prevent mild gastrointestinal upset.