Bromeliad
Guzmania lingulata
Tropical plant with a rosette of glossy leaves and a vibrant central flower bract in red, orange, pink, or yellow that lasts for months. The mother plant dies after flowering but produces offsets to continue the display.
Best rooms for bromeliad
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for bromeliad
Keep the central cup topped up with rainwater or filtered water; empty and refill monthly to prevent stagnation. Water the compost sparingly. Bright filtered light encourages flowering. Feed by adding a quarter-strength liquid fertiliser to the cup monthly. Minimum 15°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Separate offsets (pups) when they reach half the parent size
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Mother plant dying after flowering (this is normal)
- Brown leaf tips from dry air
- Root rot from overly wet compost
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